A. A. Fischer: Multiconditionality in psychiatry
In science multiconditionality has several meanings. Within a single theoretical framework multiconditionality refers to different levels and categories: theoretical, strategical and practical conditions.
A systematic interrelationship between these is essential. If not, the purpose fulness of (conceptional and therapeutic) strategies is diminished, often to the point of aimlessness. Effects may even appear which are in opposition to the goal set. If certain situations are accepted beforehand, these will function as practical conditions with far-reaching consequences for concept formation and strategies.
On the basis of conditions belonging to different theoretical frameworks the above-mentioned requirement of a systematic interrelationship does not exist. Bringing together conditions belonging to different theoretical frameworks, within one situation is a methodological error when the conditions for each of the theoretical frameworks have not been determined, including in their systematic interrelatedness, and the possibilities of integration (not interrelation) or incompatibility have not been determined.
Considering the complexity of problems we are confronted with in psychiatry it is very difficult to meet these criteria. Finding a systematic relationship between conditions belonging to different theoretical frameworks is a goal so far removed that we can conceptionalize realistically very little about this.
For adstruction of the methodological problems mentioned, problems, when trying to design a therapeutic community as a method of treatment (based on one theoretical framework), are used. Also difficulties when introducing therapeutic community in a mental hospital (two different theoretical frameworks) are discussed.