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How treating psychoanalysts respond to psychotherapy research constraints
F N Busch1, B L Milrod, M Rudden
1Cornell University Medical College, USA. Fnb80@aol.com
Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association
|October 27, 2001
Summary
Research on psychoanalytic treatments is feasible and effective. Psychoanalytic therapists can integrate research protocols, like videotaping and manualized treatment, into brief psychodynamic therapy for panic disorder, achieving positive patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Psychoanalysis
Background:
- The psychoanalytic community acknowledges the need for research into psychoanalytic treatments.
- However, many psychoanalysts perceive research as irrelevant or impossible, fearing protocol intrusions will distort the psychoanalytic process.
Observation:
- This study investigated the outcome of a brief (24-session) psychodynamic treatment for panic disorder.
- The authors, all psychoanalysts, detail their experiences with research constraints such as videotaping, treatment manuals, and time-limited sessions.
- They confronted internal conflicts regarding their analytic training and identity, particularly concerning the 'clean field' and long-term character analysis.
Findings:
- Psychoanalytic knowledge proved essential in navigating research constraints.
- Despite concerns about treatment adequacy, therapists utilized psychoanalytic tools effectively.
- Therapies were productive, leading to significant improvements in panic symptoms and quality of life.
Implications:
- Psychoanalysts may overestimate the negative impact of research constraints on the psychoanalytic process and outcomes.
- Research integration can enhance, rather than compromise, psychodynamic treatment efficacy.
- Findings support the feasibility and value of conducting empirical research within psychoanalytic practice.
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