Examining Who Benefits from Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Depression: Insights from a Series of Individual Participant Data Meta-analyses.

Because little was known about who benefits specifically from short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) for depression, we conducted an individual participant data meta-analysis project, collecting and combining raw datasets from 43 trials (N = 4,155) assessing its efficacy and examining participant baseline characteristics as moderators of outcome. Findings supported STPP's efficacy compared to control conditions and antidepressant medication, and when added to antidepressants. Episode duration and baseline severity moderated treatment outcome. Drawing on these findings and a decade of data collection experiences for this project, we outline seven recommendations for future research to further strengthen the field. The collective individual participant data meta-analysis database is available for use by others, pending original investigators' approval. Information on how it can be accessed is provided. Through continued collaboration, we hope to increase the scope of STPP research and contribute to a more precise understanding of which patients benefit most from this frequently used treatment.