Psychodynamic Treatment of Depression

This article reviews the theoretical assumptions of psychodynamic treatments of depression, as well as evidence supporting the efficacy of these interventions. Brief psychoanalytic therapy (BPT) is more effective than control conditions and as effective as other active psychotherapeutic treatments or pharmacotherapy in depression, with effects tending to be maintained in the longer term. The combination of BPT and medication is superior to medication alone. Longer-term psychoanalytic treatment (LTPT) is efficacious for patients suffering from chronic depression and co-morbid personality problems. Together, these findings warrant the inclusion of psychoanalytic therapy as a first-line treatment in depression in adults, children and adolescents.