A Time-Series Study of Depression Using Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques Subsequent to Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

This study examined the sequential use of two distinct treatment modalities in the care of a client with depression and comorbid anxiety. The client was initially treated with 16 sessions of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) followed by seven sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Simulation modeling analysis was used to assess the symptom changes across both treatment phases. Symptoms tracked included level of self-esteem, degree of sadness, and overall distress. Results indicated that the client did not experience any significant changes in response to STPP, but did experience a reduction in distress and sadness, and an increase in self-esteem subsequent to CBT. This study highlights the importance of clinical flexibility in cases in which a particular treatment modality may not be effective. Complicating factors and implications are also discussed.