Relation of Transference Interpretation to Outcome of Depression in Short Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Transference interpretations have been considered as an important technique in models of short-term dynamic psychotherapy. The purpose of the cur rent investigation was to explore the role of transference interpretations on depression severity outcome of the 6 patients treated with short-term dynamic psychotherapy for major depression. Through single case study design 6 patients with major depression were selected conveniently and treated once weekly for 20 sessions. Severity of depression was measured through Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in 3 phases and 27 points (3 session assessment as baseline, 20 sessions as treatment, and 4 sessions as follow up). Data were analyzed visually through charts and effect size analysis. The findings demonstrated that, 5 cases of 6 showed stable changes from moderate to mild severity in second half of treatment period. In treatment period compared with pre-treatment period, the effect of depression severity change in 4 cases was high and in 1 case was moderate. In one of patients, depression severity didn’t decrease. The results suggest that transference interpre tations should be used focal in sessions of short term dynamic psychotherapy with patients suffered from depression.