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On the efficacy of psychoanalysis
H M Bachrach1, R Galatzer-Levy, A Skolnikoff
1New York Medical College, St. Vincent's Hospital.
Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association
|January 11, 1991
Summary
Formal research confirms psychoanalysis benefits suitable patients, though analyzability and outcomes are unpredictable. Methodological limitations in studies challenge advancing psychoanalytic knowledge.
Area of Science:
- Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy Research
- Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry
Background:
- Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic approach with a long history of clinical application.
- Formal empirical research on psychoanalytic outcomes has been limited.
- Understanding factors influencing psychoanalytic treatment efficacy is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the existing formal research literature on psychoanalytic outcomes.
- To identify factors influencing the effectiveness of psychoanalytic treatment.
- To assess the alignment of research findings with clinical psychoanalytic knowledge.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of formal research studies on psychoanalysis outcomes.
- Analysis conducted from a psychoanalytic theoretical perspective.
- Evaluation of clinical and methodological limitations of the reviewed studies.
Main Results:
- Research findings align with clinical observations: suitable patients benefit significantly from psychoanalysis.
- Analyzability and therapeutic benefit are distinct dimensions, difficult to predict initially.
- Reviewed studies, despite limitations common to psychotherapy research, have not substantially advanced psychoanalytic knowledge.
Conclusions:
- Psychoanalytic research supports its clinical efficacy for appropriate candidates.
- Predicting treatment success and analyzability remains challenging.
- Developing native psychoanalytic research strategies is essential for future knowledge advancement.