title: Comprehensive assessment of change in patients treated with short-term dynamic psychotherapy: an overview. A 2-year follow-up study of 34 cases.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University of Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Barth
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Haver
authors.forename: O E
authors.initials: OE
authors.lastname: Havik
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mølstad
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rogge
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Skåtun
mesh_terms: 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