Psychodynamic Treatment of Depression

Fredric N. Busch, M.D., is Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University and on the faculty at the Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research in New York, New York. Marie Rudden, M.D., is Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Training and Supervising Analyst at Berkshire Psychoanalytic Institute, and on the faculty at the New York Psychoanalytic Institute in New York, New York. Theodore Shapiro, M.D., is Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry in Pediatrics at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, and Training and Supervising Analyst at the New York Psychoanalytic Institute in New York, New York.

Part I: Introduction and Overview. Introduction. Development of a psychodynamic model of depression. Overview of psychodynamic psychotherapy for depression. Part II: Techniques in Psychodynamic Treatment of Depression. Getting started with psychodynamic treatment of depression. The middle phase of treatment. Addressing narcissistic vulnerability. Addressing angry reactions to narcissistic injury. The severe superego and guilt. Idealization and devaluation. Defense mechanisms in depressed patients. The termination phase. Part III: Special Topics. Managing impasses and negative reactions to treatment. Psychodynamic approaches to suicidality. Use of psychodynamic psychotherapy with other treatment approaches. Index.

"This book is for clinicians of all 'denominations.' It is an extremely clear, concise, and well written exposition that focuses on every aspect of the psychodynamic treatment of depression, including the sometimes concomitant need for medication. Written in an accessible style and studded with excellent case vignettes, the book addresses the different dynamics in depression with remarkable clarity and panache, and it presents the whole trajectory of a psychodynamic treatment of depression from beginning to end. First rate." - Ethel Spector Person, M.D., Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Columbia University, Training and Supervising Analyst, Columbia University Psychoanalytic Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research; "A well balanced volume that educates the new, and informs the experienced. A valuable addition to the library of clinicians doing psychodynamic psychotherapy or using psychodynamic techniques in their treatment settings - inpatient, consultation, partial and outpatient settings. Teaches as you learned during training, using cases to illustrate and develop examples of technique and theory." - Robert J. Ursano, M.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Director, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University, School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland; "This is an exceptionally timely book and is a much needed resource in helping our patients in their recovery from depression and not simply in their symptom reduction. The authors present one of the most concise descriptions of the psychodynamic treatment process that I know of. Those clinicians wishing to learn about this type of treatment for depression will find this book invaluable. Residents will embrace this book because Psychodynamic Treatment of Depression provides an excellent overview to all of psychodynamic treatment including patient assessment for this modality, the establishment of the therapeutic relationship, patient responses to medication and combined treatment, precise interpretive techniques, the role of psychoeducation, the helpfulness and utilization of dreams, and the characteristics and objectives of the specific phases of treatment with this modality. They will also enjoy the extensive use of illustrative clinical vignettes." - Jerald Kay, M.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio"