Efficacy Of Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Research Articles

Efficacy and suitability of adding short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) to pharmacotherapy in patients with depressive disorders: a systematic review.

Recent guidelines on depressive disorders suggest a combination of antidepressants and psychotherapy in case of moderate to severe symptomatology. While cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy are the most investigated interventions, psychodynamic psychotherapies have been less explored. The aim of this paper is to systematically review literature data on the efficacy of shortterm psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) in combination with antidepressants in the treatment of depressive disorders, focusing both on short and on long-term results and on potential moderators that could influence its effectiveness. The systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched were PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, from inception to August 2023. Adding STPP to medications in the first six months of treatment didn't influence remission rates, but improved acceptability, work adjustment, interpersonal relationships, social role functioning, hospitalization rates and cost-effectiveness. After 12 months, a significant difference in remission rates arised, favouring combined therapy. In a long-term perspective, adding STPP to pharmacotherapy reduced the recurrence rate by almost 50%. STPP has proven to be more effective in longer depressive episodes, in more severe depressions and in patients with a childhood abuse history. Instead, STPP had no impact on major depressive disorder with comorbid Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Combining STPP with antidepressants appeared to be helpful both in a short-term and in a long-term perspective. Still, there are few rigorous studies with large samples and further research is needed to identify which subgroups of patients may benefit more from STPP.

Efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy vs treatment as usual in a sample of patients with anxiety and depressive disorders

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) in comparison with treatment as usual (TAU) in treatment of patients suffering from anxiety and depressive disorders. Sixty patients were recruited from the Psychotherapy Service, University of Milan, Department of Psychiatry, at Milan's IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico with the diagnosis of depressive or anxiety disorders according to DSM-IV-TR criteria. These subjects were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an intervention group (STPP) or control group (TAU) for 12 months (T1). Each patient was clinically evaluated at the moment of recruitment (T0) and after 12 months using a battery composed of these scales: Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP). Statistical analysis highlighted significant improvements (p<0.05) for the group treated with STPP in every clinical scale. Instead control group revealed significant changes (p<0.05) only for SCL-90 scale scores. We noticed a clinical improvement in both groups without particular differences, but the IIP scores went through a significant higher enhancement only in STPP group. Our results suggest that STPP is so effective as TAU in treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders. Moreover STPP leads to a better recover of relational functioning.

Efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) with depressed breast cancer patients: results of a randomized controlled multicenter trial

There is a lack of trials of psychodynamic treatments of depression in breast cancer patients. The purpose of this trial was to determine the efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) in non-metastatic breast cancer patients diagnosed with depression, one of the most frequent mental comorbidities of breast cancer. In a multicenter prospective trial, 157 breast cancer patients with comorbid depression were randomized to either individual STPP (intervention group, N=78) or 'treatment as usual' (control group, TAU, N=79). As our primary outcome measure, we hypothesized a higher rate of remission defined as no diagnosis of depression (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV) and reduction in depression score by at least 2 points (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS-D) in STPP versus TAU at treatment termination. Secondary outcomes mainly refer to quality of life (QoL). In the intention to treat (ITT) analysis, 44% of the STPP group achieved highly significantly more remission than TAU (23%). STPP treatment (OR=7.64; P<0.001) was the strongest predictor for remission post-treatment; time was also significant (OR=0.96; P<0.05). A high effect favoring STPP (d=0.82) was observed for the HADS-D score post-treatment (secondary outcome). Regarding further secondary outcomes (QoL), analyses of covariance yielded main effects for group (favoring STPP with an effect size of at least d=0.5) for global QoL, role, emotional and social functioning, pain, treatment side-effects, breast symptoms and upset by hair loss. STPP is an effective treatment of a broad range of depressive conditions in breast cancer patients improving depression and functional QoL. Findings are limited by the drop-out rate (∼1/3) and delayed post-treatment assessments. Future trials may consider stepped-care approaches, tailored to patients' needs and requirements in the acute treatment phase.

Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in Patients with “Male Depression” Syndrome, Hopelessness, and Suicide Risk: A Pilot Study

Objectives and Methods. This was an observational study of the efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) in a sample of 35 (30 women and 5 men) patients with moderate-to-severe “male depression” (Gotland Scale for Male Depression (GSMD) ≥ 13) comorbid with unipolar mood disorder (dysthymia and major depression) or anxiety disorder. Outcome measures were GSMD and BHS (Beck Hopelessness Scale) score changes from baseline. Results. Patients had a strong response to STPP on the GSMD (estimated mean score change (± SE) = −9.08 ± 2.74; P < 0.01; partial eta squared = 0.50), but not on the BHS (estimated mean score change (± SE) = −0.92 ± 1.55; P = 0.57; partial eta squared = 0.03). BHS score changes were significantly associated with GSMD score changes (Pearson's r = 0.56; P < 0.001), even when controlling for the severity of hopelessness at the baseline (partial r = 0.62; P < 0.001). Conclusions. STPP proved to be effective in patients suffering from “male depression” although hopelessness was only marginally reduced by this treatment which points to the need to better understand how STPP can be involved in the reduction of suicide risk.

Is brief psychodynamic psychotherapy in primary fibromyalgia syndrome with concurrent depression an effective treatment? A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThere are no studies investigating the efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy in primary fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). We conducted a randomized controlled trial evaluating an adapted form of individual short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (ASTPP) versus primary care management (TAU). The study focused on FMS patients with psychiatric comorbidity. MethodsForty-six female patients with FMS and an International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision diagnosis of a comorbid depression or anxiety disorder were recruited in a hospital setting. Participants were randomized to receive either ASTPP (25 sessions, 1 session/week) or TAU (4 consultations/6 months). Outcome measures included the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Pain Disability Index, the Symptom Checklist 27 and the health-related quality of life. Primary endpoints of the outcome assessment were the FIQ total score and the HADS depression scale at 12-month follow-up. ResultsBoth treatments were effective in reducing the FIQ total score (ES=0.56 and ES=0.75, respectively). Intent-to-treat analyses failed to provide evidence suggesting a marked superiority of individual psychodynamic psychotherapy as compared to TAU. ConclusionsA high-standard routine treatment focusing on the improvement of health behavior and including antidepressant and analgesic medication is equally effective as a short-term individual psychodynamic psychotherapy in improving fibromyalgia-related symptoms.

Efficacy of psychodynamic short-term psychotherapy for depressed breast cancer patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThere is a lack of psychotherapeutic trials of treatments of comorbid depression in cancer patients. Our study determines the efficacy of a manualized short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and predictors of outcome by personality and quality of the therapeutic relationship.Methods/designEligible breast cancer patients with comorbid depression are assigned to short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (up to 20 + 5 sessions) or to treatment as usual (augmented by recommendation for counseling center and physician information). We plan to recruit a total of 180 patients (90 per arm) in two centers. Assessments are conducted pretreatment, after 6 (treatment termination) and 12 months (follow-up). The primary outcome measures are reduction of the depression score in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and remission of depression as assessed by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM IV Disorders by independent, blinded assessors at treatment termination. Secondary outcomes refer to quality of life.DiscussionWe investigate the efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy in acute care and we aim to identify predictors for acceptance and success of treatment.Trial registrationISRCTN96793588

The Efficacy of Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Depressive Disorders with Comorbid Personality Disorder

The presence of comorbid personality disorder (PD) is one of the factors that can make the treatment of depression unsuccessful. Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (STPP) has been shown efficacious in the treatment of personality and depressive disorders (DD). However, the efficacy of STPP for comorbid DD and PD has not been systematically evaluated. In this study, data from patients meeting criteria for both DD and PD participating from randomized controlled trials of STPP was collected, systematically reviewed, and meta-analyzed where possible. Eight studies were included, 6 with major depression and 2 with minor depressive disorders. Pre- to post- treatment effects sizes were large (d = 1.00-1.27), suggesting symptom improvement during STPP, and these gains were maintained in follow-ups averaging over 1.5 years. For major depression, no differences were found comparing STPP to other psychotherapies, and STPP was found superior to a wait-list condition in one study. STPP may have had an advantage over other therapy controls in treating minor depression as noted in ratings of general psychopathology. Patients with Cluster A/B and C PD were responsive to STPP, with the majority of all studied patients showing clinically significant change on self-report measures. Within the limits of this study, these findings suggest that STPP warrants consideration as a first line treatment for combined personality disorder and depression. Future research directions are proposed.

Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Versus Treatment as Usual for Depressive and Anxiety Disorders

This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) in the treatment of patients suffering from anxiety or depressive disorders, as compared with a control case sample composed of patients undergoing treatment as usual (TAU). Sixty patients with depressive or anxiety disorders according to DSM IV-TR were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an intervention group (STPP) or control group for 12 months (T1). Primary outcome measures were the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R), the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP), and the Clinical Global Impression Improvement Scale. Intention to treat analysis revealed that patients who received STPP showed significantly more improvements in comparison with those who were in the TAU group on Clinical Global Impression Improvement Scale and IIP measures. This study offers evidence that STPP is an effective treatment for patients with anxiety or depressive disorders, and it could be more effective than TAU in improving interpersonal problems as measured by IIP.

The efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for depression: A meta-analysis

It remains largely unclear, firstly whether short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) is an effective treatment for depression, and secondly, which study, participant, or intervention characteristics may moderate treatment effects. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of STPP for depression and to identify treatment moderators. After a thorough literature search, 23 studies totaling 1365 subjects were included. STPP was found to be significantly more effective than control conditions at post-treatment (d=0.69). STPP pre-treatment to post-treatment changes in depression level were large (d=1.34), and these changes were maintained until 1-year follow-up. Compared to other psychotherapies, a small but significant effect size (d=-0.30) was found, indicating the superiority of other treatments immediately post-treatment, but no significant differences were found at 3-month (d=-0.05) and 12-month (d=-0.29) follow-up. Studies employing STPP in groups (d=0.83) found significantly lower pre-treatment to post-treatment effect sizes than studies using an individual format (d=1.48). Supportive and expressive STPP modes were found to be equally efficacious (d=1.36 and d=1.30, respectively). We found clear indications that STPP is effective in the treatment of depression in adults. Although more high-quality RCTs are necessary to assess the efficacy of the STPP variants, the current findings add to the evidence-base of STPP for depression.

The efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for depression: a summary of recent findings

The efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for depression: a summary of recent findings

Limitations of the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale as a Primary Outcome Measure in Randomized, Controlled Trials of Treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Limitations of the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale as a Primary Outcome Measure in Randomized, Controlled Trials of Treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Fluoxetine in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Comparative Study

Background: There are few studies comparing the efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) and pharmacotherapy in major depressive disorder. We conducted a comparative study on the efficacy of STPP versus fluoxetine treatment in patients with major depressive disorder in a primary care setting. Methods: Fifty-one patients with major depressive disorder (DSM-IV) of mild or moderate severity were recruited through occupational health services providing primary health care. Patients were randomized to receive either STPP (1 session/week) or fluoxetine treatment (20–40 mg/day) for 16 weeks. The outcome measures included the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS). Results: Intent-to-treat analyses indicated that both treatments were highly effective in reducing the HDRS (p < 0.0001) and BDI (p < 0.0001) scores, as well as in improving functional ability (SOFAS; p < 0.0001), with no statistically significant differences between the treatments. Of those 40 subjects who completed the follow-up, 57% in the psychotherapy group and 68% in the fluoxetine group showed full remission (HDRS ≤7) after 4 months. Conclusions: Both STPP and pharmacological treatment with fluoxetine are effective in reducing symptoms and in improving functional ability of primary care patients with mild or moderate depression. This study suggests no marked differences in the therapeutic effects of these two treatment forms in a primary care setting.

Ask the Expert: Major Depressive Disorder

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article CLINICAL SYNTHESISFull AccessAsk the Expert: Major Depressive DisorderGlen O. Gabbard, M.D.Glen O. GabbardSearch for more papers by this author, M.D.Published Online:1 Jan 2008https://doi.org/10.1176/foc.6.1.foc46AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail I have a high-functioning patient with major depression. He is responding to an SSRI medication, but I am contemplating adding psychotherapy. What are the advantages of psychodynamic psychotherapy compared with CBT for a patient like this?The question is a good one, one that is frequently asked in clinical settings. First of all, before determining the type of psychotherapy, one must decide if the SSRI is sufficient by itself. Studies of combined SSRIs and psychotherapy are not conclusive about an additive value when the two treatments are combined, except for the case of severe depressions. In mild to moderate depression, often the decision boils down to what the patient wants and whether the recovery with medication is only partial.We know from research that both CBT and psychodynamic therapy can be helpful in the treatment of major depression (1, 2). Although there are more randomized controlled trials supporting CBT, we have few data to determine which patient might do better with which type of therapy. Some patients are highly motivated to seek further understanding about what has caused their depression and what might lead to relapse. This wish to understand may be an indication for adding psychotherapy, and those patients who want more than symptom relief may prefer a dynamic approach. Some depressed patients do not like the prescriptive aspect of CBT and may object to homework. It is worth exploring with the patient if he or she has a preference for one type of psychotherapy over another.A strong argument can be made for further exploration of vulnerability factors that lead to the risk of relapse. We know that the propensity for relapse after symptom-directed treatment is profound (3). Recent research suggests that certain relational or interpersonal schemas of self and others, accompanied by cognitive and affective components, may establish environments that are depressogenic (4). It may be that symptom-focused treatment for depression may temporarily address these schemas, but ongoing stressors activate the vulnerabilities again, leading to recurrent depression. Hence a critically important part of the psychotherapy of depression may be an exploration of the interpersonal schemas that appear to create patient expectations and subsequent disappointments in relationships. By focusing on these factors, it is possible that the stressors and vulnerability can be mitigated.It is noteworthy in this regard that in the elegant work of Kendler et al. (5), they found in a population of female twins that stressors with particular meaning to the individual were more closely linked to the onset of major depression. For example, an episode of depression was predicted by stressors with higher ratings of humiliation and loss because of a separation initiated by a significant other. These stressors are more depressogenic than pure loss events such as death. A dynamic psychotherapist may be able to link these feelings of humiliation and depression to the narcissistic injury inherent in being “dumped” by a partner. This exploration may lead to specific patterns of internal object relationships that result in recurrent self-defeating patterns. Further discussion of these issues may lead to a sense of mastery over previously unconscious relational patterns and may strengthen the patient's resilience regarding the risk of further episodes.CME DisclosureGlen O. Gabbard, M.D., Brown Foundation Chair of Psychoanalysis and Professor of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine.Dr. Gabbard reports no competing interests.REFERENCES1 Beck AT: The current status of cognitive therapy: a 40-year retrospective. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2005; 62: 953– 959Crossref, Google Scholar2 Leichsenring F, Rabung S, Leibing E: The efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy in specific psychiatric disorders. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2004; 61: 1208– 1216Crossref, Google Scholar3 Ingram RE, Price JN (eds.): Vulnerability to Psychopathology: Risks across the Lifespan. New York, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2002Google Scholar4 Zuroff DC, Mongrain M, Santor DA: Conceptualizing and measuring personality vulnerability to depression: comment on Coyne and Whiffen (1995). Psychol Bull 2004; 130/3: 489– 511Crossref, Google Scholar FiguresReferencesCited byDetailsCited byNone Volume 6Issue 1 Winter 2008Pages 46-46Major Depressive Disorder and Suicide PDF download

Review: short term psychotherapy is an effective treatment for psychiatric disorders

Leichsenring F, Rabung S, Leibing E. The efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy in specific psychiatric disorders: a meta-analysis. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2004;61:1208–16.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Q Is short term psychotherapy an...

Guideline Watch: Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder

Since the 2001 publication of APA’s Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder (1), more studies have been published on borderline personality disorder (BPD) than on any other personality disorder (2, 3). New analyses of the validity of the DSMIV-TR criteria–defined construct of BPD have been published, new data on the prevalence of BPD are available, risk factors for and biological characteristics of BPD are being elucidated, and new studies on the treatment of BPD have been carried out. This guideline watch highlights the most important of these developments.

Short-Term Psychodynamic Therapy Found Effective in Several Disorders

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Clinical & Research NewsFull AccessShort-Term Psychodynamic Therapy Found Effective in Several DisordersMark MoranMark MoranSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:21 Jan 2005https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.40.2.00400053aA meta-analysis of more than 30 years of randomized controlled trials of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) found it effective for treatment of psychiatric disorders.Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy produced statistically significant pretreatment-posttreatment effect sizes for target problems, general psychiatric symptoms, and social functioning. The effect sizes were stable and tended to increase at follow-up, according to a report of the study in the December 2004 Archives of General Psychiatry.The study was authored by Falk Leichsenring, D.Sc., of the department of psychosomatics and psychotherapy at the University of Goettingen in Germany, and colleagues.They identified studies of STPP published between January 1, 1970 and September 30, 2004, with a computerized search using MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Current Contents.The following inclusion criteria were applied to their search:a randomized controlled design was used.a specific form of STPP represented in a treatment manual or manual-like guide was applied, and treatment integrity was ensured.therapists were specifically trained or experienced in STPP.patients with specific psychiatric disorders were treated, and the patient sample was clearly described.diagnostic procedures and outcome measures for which reliability and validity have been demonstrated were used.data were reported that are necessary to calculate pretreatment-posttreatment effects.Seventeen studies were identified that fulfilled the criteria. Analysis showed that STPP yielded large and significant effect sizes for target problems (1.39), general psychiatric symptoms (0.90), and social functioning (0.80).Effect sizes were significantly greater for patients receiving STPP than for those who were waiting-list control subjects in the studies and for patients in the studies who received treatment as usual.“According to these results, patients treated with STPP are better off with regard to their target problems than 92 percent of the patients before therapy,” the authors stated. “At follow-up, which was on average 13 months after termination of therapy, they were better off than 95 percent of the patients.... These results are highly relevant for clinical practice.” They added that this finding also holds for another result.“ Comparing the effect sizes yielded at the end of therapy and follow-up, the effects of STPP proved to be stable and even tended to increase.”The number of STPP sessions conducted in the studies ranged from seven to 40 and were performed in a face-to-face setting with one or two sessions per week.Psychiatric disorders treated by STPP included major depression (two studies), maternal depression (one), posttraumatic stress disorder (one), bulimia nervosa (two), anorexia nervosa (one), opiate dependence (two), cocaine dependence (one), cluster C personality disorders (three), borderline personality disorder (one), somatoform pain disorder (one), chronic functional dyspepsia (one), and social phobia (one).The authors believe the analysis is unique in the literature because of the unusually rigorous inclusion criteria and because more than 75 percent of studies included had not been included in other meta-analyses of STPP. Moreover, the authors excluded studies of interpersonal psychotherapy, which had been included in earlier analyses.“According to the results of this and other meta-analyses, STPP is an effective treatment of psychiatric disorders and yields stable results,” the authors said. “Further research should study not only the effects of STPP in specific psychiatric disorders but also the active ingredients of STPP... .Furthermore, effectiveness studies should address whether the methods of therapy that have proved to work in randomized control trials are effective in the field.”An abstract of the article “The Efficacy of Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in Specific Psychiatric Disorders” is posted online at<http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/61/12/1208>.▪ Arch Gen Psychiatry 2004 61 1208 ISSUES NewArchived

The Efficacy of Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in SpecificPsychiatric Disorders

The efficacy of psychodynamic therapy is controversial. Previous meta-analyses have reported discrepant results. To test the efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) in specific psychiatric disorders by performing a meta-analysis of more recent studies. We assessed outcomes in target problems, general psychiatric symptoms, and social functioning. We identified studies of STPP published between January 1, 1970, and September 30, 2004, by means of a computerized search using MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and Current Contents. Rigorous inclusion criteria, included randomized controlled trials, use of treatment manuals and insurance of treatment integrity, therapists experienced or specifically trained in STPP, treatment of patients with specific psychiatric disorders, reliable and valid diagnostic measures, and data necessary to calculate effect sizes. Studies of interpersonal therapy were excluded. Seventeen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The information was extracted by 3 raters. Effect sizes were calculated for target problems, general psychiatric symptoms, and social functioning using the data published in the original studies. To examine the stability of outcome, we assessed effect sizes separately for end of therapy and follow-up assessment. The effect sizes of STPP were compared with those of waiting-list control patients, treatments as usual, and other forms of psychotherapy. Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy yielded significant and large pretreatment-posttreatment effect sizes for target problems (1.39), general psychiatric symptoms (0.90), and social functioning (0.80). These effect sizes were stable and tended to increase at follow-up (1.57, 0.95, and 1.19, respectively). The effect sizes of STPP significantly exceeded those of waiting-list controls and treatments as usual. No differences were found between STPP and other forms of psychotherapy. Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy proved to be an effective treatment in psychiatric disorders. However, further research of STPP in specific psychiatric disorders is needed, including a study of the active ingredients of STPP. Effectiveness studies should be included.

Comparative effects of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy in depression: A meta-analytic approach

This article reviews the efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) in depression compared to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or behavioral therapy (BT). In this review, only studies in which at least 13 therapy sessions were performed have been included, and a sufficient number of patients per group were treated ( N ≥ 20). With regard to outcome criteria, the results were reviewed for improvements in depressive symptoms, general psychiatric symptoms, and social functioning. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: In 58 of the 60 comparisons (97%) performed in the six studies and their follow-ups, no significant difference could be detected between STPP and CBT/BT concerning the effects in depressive symptoms, general psychiatric symptomatology, and social functioning. Furthermore, STPP and CBT/BT did not differ significantly with regard to the patients that were judged as remitted or improved. According to a meta-analytic procedure described by R. Rosenthal (1991) the studies do not differ significantly with regard to the patients that were judged as remitted or improved after treatment with STPP or CBT/BT. The mean difference between STPP and CBT/BT concerning the number of patients that were judged as remitted or improved corresponds to a small effect size (post-assessment: φ = 0.08, follow-up assessment: φ = 0.12). Thus, STPP and CBT/BT seem to be equally effective methods in the treatment of depression. However, because of the small number of studies which met the inclusion criteria, this result can only be preliminary. Furthermore, it applies only to the specific forms of STPP that were examined in the selected studies and cannot be generalized to other forms of STPP. Further studies are needed to examine the effects of specific forms of STPP in both controlled and naturalistic settings. Furthermore, there are findings indicating that 16–20 sessions of both STPP and CBT/BT are insufficient for most patients to achieve lasting remission. Future studies should address the effects of longer treatments of depression.