Effect of Psychodynamic Therapies on Major Depression
Author Information
Author(s): Jakobsen Janus Christian, Hansen Jane Lindschou, Simonsen Erik, Gluud Christian
Primary Institution: Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 3344 Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
Hypothesis
Do psychodynamic therapies significantly reduce depressive symptoms compared to treatment as usual in patients with major depressive disorder?
Conclusion
Psychodynamic therapies, particularly interpersonal psychotherapy, may reduce depressive symptoms compared to treatment as usual, but the effect is likely small.
Supporting Evidence
- Meta-analysis showed a mean difference of -3.12 on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression.
- Three trials reported a significant reduction in depressive symptoms.
- The number needed to treat for one extra patient to achieve remission was about four.
Takeaway
This study looked at how talking therapies help people with depression. It found that these therapies might help a little, but not a lot.
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing psychodynamic therapies to treatment as usual.
Potential Biases
High risk of bias in all included trials due to unclear or inadequate components.
Limitations
All included trials had a high risk of bias, and the sample size was limited.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adults over 17 years with a primary diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.00001
Confidence Interval
−4.39 to −1.86
Statistical Significance
p<0.00001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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