Can Psychoanalysis Become Empirically Supported

The article discusses the application of the ideas of evidence-based medicine or empirically supported treatment to the field of psychoanalysis. The author argues that empirical support is gradual rather than categorical, and that the randomized clinical trial (RCT), which is commonly heralded as the appropriate method of support, confounds patient suitability factors with treatment 'as such'. As a consequence of the exclusive reliance on the RCT, empirical validation of psychological treatments has generally favoured cognitive-behavioural treatments, although there is ample evidence - albeit non-RCT - for the beneficial effects of short-term and long-term psychoanalytic treatment. The author argues for a suitability matching approach to empirical validation, where each treatment is tested, as powerfully as feasible, on samples based on selfselection (patient's choice, clinical assignment, suitability judgments etc.). The paper concludes by referring to two recent studies, indicating that there is reason to evaluate alleged empirical support with caution

Categorical variable · Cognitive psychology · Empirical evidence · Empirical research · Epistemology · Psychoanalysis · Psychoanalytic theory · Psychotherapist · Randomized controlled trial · Randomized experiment · Computer Science · Medicine · Personality Disorders and Psychopathology · Philosophy · Psychological Testing and Assessment · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications

• Psychoanalytic identity and the external world

  Christer Sjödin•International Forum of…•2005

  Incluir item

• Will Patients Accept Randomization to Psychoanalysis? A Feasibility Study

  Open Access•Eve Caligor, Mark J Hilsenroth et al.•Journal of the American…•2012

  Incluir item

• The empirical case for the common factors in therapy

  Ted P Asay, Michael J Lambert•The heart & soul of change•1999

  Incluir item

• Defining empirically supported therapies.

  Dianne L Chambless, Steven D Hollon•Journal of Consulting and…•1998

  Incluir item

• Varieties of Long-Term Outcome Among Patients in Psychoanalysis and Long-Term Psychotherapy

  Open Access•Rolf Sandell, Johan Blomberg et al.•The International Journal of…•2000

  Incluir item

• An Approach to the Study of Analyzability and Analyses

  Joan B Erle•The Psychoanalytic Quarterly•1979

  Incluir item

• The effectiveness of psychotherapy

  Martin E P Seligman•American Psychologist•1995

  Incluir item

• Followup of Psychoanalysis Five to Ten Years After Termination

  Open Access•Judy L Kantrowitz, Ann L Katz et al.•Journal of the American…•1990

  Incluir item

• On the Efficacy of Psychoanalysis

  Open Access•Henry Bachrach, Henry M Bachrach et al.•Journal of the American…•1991

  Incluir item

• Changes in the Level and Quality of Object Relations in Psychoanalysis

  Open Access•Judy L Kantrowitz, Ann L Katz et al.•Journal of the American…•1987

  Incluir item