Psychodynamic Treatment of Depression

The authors succeed in crafting a book that is as approachable and relevant as it is educational and progressive. Their balanced approach invites readers to examine their own interactions with patients and think critically about how applied psychodynamic principles could improve depressive symptoms. Of equal utility is the authors' inclusion of relevant areas of special concern, such as patients with comorbid personality disorders a cohort with whom it can be exceedingly frustrating and difficult to work. As a psychiatry resident, I found the case vignettes extremely useful as a practical way to explore the concepts of psychodynamics. While the authors obviously emphasize a psychological approach, they have a balanced view of mental illness and treatment. They clearly espouse the en vogue biopsychosociospiritual approach. Indeed, such a respectful and balanced view certainly builds a healthy bridge between psychiatry and psychology. I will continue to highly recommend this book to my colleagues, as it has already proven to be a valuable tool for my training. -- Cameron J. Risma, M.D. * Doody's Book Review *

Fredric N. Busch, M.D., is Clinical 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 the Berkshire Psychoanalytic Institute. 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 Chapter 1. Introduction Chapter 2. Development of a Psychodynamic Model of Depression Chapter 3. Overview of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Depression PART II: Techniques in Psychodynamic Treatment of Depression Chapter 4. Getting Started With Psychodynamic Treatment of Depression Chapter 5. The Middle Phase of Treatment Chapter 6. Addressing Narcissistic Vulnerability Chapter 7. Addressing Angry Reactions to Narcissistic Injury Chapter 8. The Severe Superego and Guilt Chapter 9. Idealization and Devaluation Chapter 10. Defense Mechanisms in Depressed Patients Chapter 11. The Termination Phase PART III: Special Topics Chapter 12. Psychodynamic Approaches to Depression With Comorbid Personality Disorder Chapter 13. Managing Impasses and Negative Reactions to Treatment Chapter 14. Psychodynamic Approaches to Suicidality Chapter 15. Use of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy With Other Treatment Approaches Index