Efficacy of Short- Term Anxiety-Regulating Psychotherapy on Love Trauma Syndrome

Ôbjective: This study has been conducted to investigate the efficacy of short-term dynamic psychotherapy on Love Trauma Syndrome (LTS) in female students. LTS includes a constellation of intensive signs and symptoms which appear following the breakdown of a romantic relationship after a long time. Ït interrupts person's function in many areas (academic, social or professional) and leads to maladaptive reactions. This study was a multiple baseline single-case experimental study. The sample included five cases who were selected based on purposeful sampling procedure. The intervention was conducted based on McÇullough's manual for short-term dynamic psychotherapy. Ïn general, the study consisted of three stages including the baseline evaluation, the intervention period, and follow-up. The instruments included the Love Trauma Ïnventory (LTÏ), Beck Depression Ïnventory (BDÏ-ÏÏ), Global Âssessment Function) GÂF) of DSM-ÏV and Millon Personality Ïnventory MÇMÏ-ÏÏ The data were analyzed using the clinical significance method and the recovery percent formula. Âll subjects who completed the treatment showed significant improvement in their symptoms including depression and general functioning.Çonclusion: Ït appears that McÇullough's short term anxiety-regulating psychotherapy is effective in treating LTS.