Is Psychodynamic Therapy Effective Against Depression?

Many psychodynamic therapists, including myself, are seeing clients who have depressive

symptoms. What evidence is there, however, that Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (PDP) is effective against depression? Ribeiro, et al (2018) set out to investigate this question.

They used a narrative review in order to address the question, in which existing studies and literature are examined for evidence either way. They included current published papers on PDP and its role in treating depressive disorders. They also included recent empirical studies as well as classical and contemporary literature.

Having considerered the range of themes and issues arising, the authors concluded that PDP has been found as effective as anti-depressants. Moreover, there are more benefits when switching from focus on the symptoms to a focus on deeper rehabilitation. In other words, it is more effective to have treatment that focuses on emotional patterns and relatonships than treatment focusing only on isolated symptoms or behaviors.

The authors found that PDP compares as well or better than comparable therapies, and its effects last longer. In addition, ots effectiveness is constantly improving. This is liekly because of PDP researchers figuring out how to reseach this complex, layered field.

Ribeiro Â, Ribeiro JP, von Doellinger O. (2018). Depression and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Braz J Psychiatry. 40(1):105-109.