Effect of patient gender on outcome in two forms of short-term individual psychotherapy

This study examined the relationship of patient gender and outcome for two forms (interpretive, supportive) of short-term, individual psychotherapy. Female and male patients (N=89) were randomly assigned to either interpretive or supportive therapy. Outcome was measured in the areas of depression, anxiety, and general symptomatic distress. A significant interaction effect between patient gender and form of therapy was found for measures of depression and general symptomatic distress at post-therapy. Male patients had better outcome in interpretive therapy than in supportive therapy. Female patients had better outcome in supportive therapy than in interpretive therapy. The findings suggest that patient gender may be differentially influential with different forms of short-term therapy.