The efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for depression: A meta-analysis update. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Driessen, Ellen; Hegelmaier, Lisa M.; Abbass, Allan A.; Barber, Jacques P.; Dekker, Jack J.M.; Van, Henricus L.; Jansma, Elise P.; Cuijpers, Pim
• Is Part Of: Clinical psychology review. Volume 42(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Depression -- Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy -- Meta-analysis -- Efficacy -- STPP; Clinical psychology -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychology, Clinical -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2015.07.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-7358

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) for depression is debated. Recently, a number of large-scale and high-quality studies have been conducted. We examined the efficacy of STPP by updating our 2010 meta-analysis. Results: After a thorough literature search, 54 studies (33 randomized clinical trials) totaling 3946 subjects were included. STPP was significantly more effective than control conditions at post-treatment on depression, general psychopathology and quality of life measures ( d = 0.49 to 0.69). STPP pre-treatment to post-treatment changes ( d = 0.57 to 1.18) indicated significant improvements on all outcome measures, which either significantly improved further ( d = 0.20 to 1.04) or were maintained from post-treatment to follow-up. No significant differences were found between individual STPP and other psychotherapies at post-treatment ( d = − 0.14) and follow-up ( d = − 0.06) in analyses that were adequately powered to detect a clinically relevant difference. STPP was significantly more efficacious than other psychotherapies on anxiety measures at both post-treatment ( d = 0.35) and follow-up ( d = 0.76). Conclusion: We found clear indications that STPP is effective in the treatment of depression in adults. Although more high-quality studies are needed, particularly to assess the efficacy of STPP compared to control conditions at follow-up and to antidepressants, these findings add to the evidence-base of STPP for depression. Highlights: Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) is a treatment for depression. STPP results in symptom reduction and function improvement during treatment. These gains are either maintained or further improved at follow-up. STPP is efficacious when compared to control conditions. Individual STPP does not differ from other psychotherapies on depression outcomes.