Psychological defense mechanisms in patients with syphilis at different stages of the disease

Purpose: the study of psychological defense mechanisms in patients with syphilis at different stages of the disease. Material and methods. We used questionnaire Plutchik-Kellerman-Comte "life style Index". The study involved 257 people (118 women (46%) and 139 men (54%)) aged 18 to 67 years (mean age — 23,5±8,9years). Results. In patients with primary syphilis primary mecha-protection scheme is "denying"; secondary syphilis of skin and mucus-purity membranes— "replacement"; syphilis latent early — "projection"; in patients with late syphilis — intellectualization. Thus, in patients with late forms of syphilis is dominated by more Mature mechanisms of protection (projection, rationalization). Patients with early forms use more primitive mechanisms (denial, substitution). Conclusion. The obtained data may be useful in the choice of methods of psychotherapy, the formation of patients more realistic (ADAP-tive) installations for the treatment, restoration of family and other social relations, the prevention of distress and improving the quality of life of patients.