[Operationalized psychodynamic diagnostics in childhood and adolescence (OPD-CA): the axis during psychoanalytic...

There is evidence for the effectiveness of psychodynamic therapies in terms of symptom reduction. Up to now, there is little evidence to what extend therapy translates to the improvement of core analytical concepts, like psychic structure, interpersonal relatedness, and intrapsychic conflicts. The current study focuses on these concepts over the course of therapy as well as in connection with outcome. The concepts are assessed with the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnostics in Childhood and Adolescence (OPD-CA). Additionally, the OPD-CA axis prerequisites of treatment is tested as a predictor of outcome. 16 therapists rated 146 participating patients at the beginning and the end of therapy within the framework of a study on the effectiveness of psychoanalytical psychotherapy. Therapists rated the OPD-CA as well as the level of psychosocial impairment. Psychic structure, interpersonal relatedness, and intrapsychic conflicts improved significantly over the course of therapy. Positive outcome was predicted by communicative abilities, positive self-relatedness and an undistinctive intrapsychic conflict at the beginning of therapy as well as the improvement of these during therapy. Among the prerequisites of treatment only the subjective level of mental impairment and the intrapsychic resources were predictive of outcome. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy for children and adolescents improved central psychodynamic concepts like psychic structure, interpersonal relatedness, and intrapsychic conflicts.