Comprehensive assessment of change in patients treated with short-term dynamic psychotherapy: an overview. A 2-year follow-up study of 34 cases.
Change was assessed in 34 patients at the end of short-term dynamic psychotherapy (STDP), and at 2 follow-ups (1 year and 2 years subsequent to treatment). The assessment was made from different perspectives and according to multiple criteria and methods of measurement. The results indicate that, when a particular form of STDP is selected according to each patient's ego resources, motivation for therapy, and motivation for change, approximately 90% of the patients will attain substantial symptom relief. The majority of the patients in this study also gave evidence of positive change in adaptive functioning, while one-third attained some dynamic/structural change as well. Clinically rated improvement was confirmed by changes in the patients' self-reported distress level (SCL-90), and from psychological test findings (MMPI). Improvement observed at the end of therapy was sustained throughout the 2-year follow-up period.
Barth
K
K
University of Bergen, Norway.
Nielsen
G
G
Haver
B
B
Havik
O E
OE
Mølstad
E
E
Rogge
H
H
Skåtun
M
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D004532:Ego; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D010553:Personality Development; D010556:Personality Tests; D011340:Problem Solving; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief / Q000379:methods*; D012649:Self Concept; D012917:Social Adjustment