Relation of Transference Interpretation to Outcome of Depression in Short Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Abstract

Objective: Transference interpretations have been considered as an important technique in models of short-term dynamic psychotherapy. The purpose of the cur rent investigation was to explore the role of transference interpretations on depression severity outcome of the 6 patients treated with short-term dynamic psychotherapy for major depression. Materials & Methods: Through single case study design 6 patients with major depression were selected conveniently and treated once weekly for 20 sessions. Severity of depression was measured through Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in 3 phases and 27 points (3 session assessment as baseline, 20 sessions as treatment, and 4 sessions as follow up). Data were analyzed visually through charts and effect size analysis. Results: The findings demonstrated that, 5 cases of 6 showed stable changes from moderate to mild severity in second half of treatment period. In treatment period compared with pre-treatment period, the effect of depression severity change in 4 cases was high and in 1 case was moderate. In one of patients, depression severity didn’t decrease. Conclusion: The results suggest that transference interpre tations should be used focal in sessions of short term dynamic psychotherapy with patients suffered from depression.

Keywords

• Transference interpretation
• short term psychodynamic
• depression