Psychodynamic therapy: a poorly defined concept with questionable evidence

ABSTRACT FROM: Leichsenring F, Luyten P, Hilsenroth M, et al. Psychodynamic therapy meets evidence-based medicine: a systematic review using updated criteria. Lancet Psychiatry 2015;2:648–60. What is already known on this topic Psychodynamic therapy (PDT) is widely practiced, but the empirical evidence for it is unclear.1 As relatively few well-controlled studies exist, some authors resort to meta-analyses that include numerous poorly controlled and underpowered clinical trials in order to support their claim that PDT is efficacious.2 Methods of the study After reviewing the distinction between superiority, non-inferiority and equivalency trials, Leichsenring and colleagues conducted a traditional literature search, which identified 64 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy of PDT in common mental health disorders. The authors then proceeded to provide their own interpretation of the literature by concluding that PDT is as effective as cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT). However, this conclusion is unjustified...
Source: Evidence-Based Mental Health - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Clinical trials (epidemiology), Drugs: psychiatry, Epidemiology, Guidelines Psychological interventions Source Type: research