Psychodynamic theory
Psychodynamics, also known as psychodynamic psychology, in its broadest sense, is an approach to psychology that emphasizes systematic study of the psychological forces underlying human behavior, feelings, and emotions and how they might relate to early experience. It is especially interested in the dynamic relations between conscious motivation and unconscious motivation.
The term psychodynamics is sometimes used to refer specifically to the psychoanalytical approach developed by Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) and his followers. Freud was inspired by the theory of thermodynamics and used the term psychodynamics to describe the processes of the mind as flows of psychological energy (libido or psi) in an organically complex brain. However, modern usage differentiates psychoanalytic practice as referring specifically to the earliest forms of psychotherapy, practiced by Freud and his immediate followers, and psychodynamic practice as practice that is informed by psychoanalytic theory, but diverges from the traditional practice model.
In the treatment of psychological distress, psychodynamic psychotherapy tends to be a less intensive (onceor twice-weekly) modality than the classical Freudian psychoanalysis treatment (of 3–5 sessions per week) and typically relies less on the traditional practices of psychoanalytic therapy, such as the patient facing away from the therapist during treatment and free association. Psychodynamic therapies depend upon a psychoanalytic understanding of inner conflict, wherein unconscious thoughts, desires, and memories influence behavior and psychological problems are caused by unconscious or repressed conflicts.
Widespread critique of psychoanalysis’s scientific credibility contributed to a decline in the use of psychodynamic therapy as the primary modality of psychotherapy, with cognitive–behavioral therapy and pharmacological approaches becoming more prominent. Early outcome research often suffered from methodological limitations and produced mixed results, leading to skepticism about its efficacy. Empirical support at that time appeared strongest in areas such as the treatment of personality disorders. However, more recent research has revisited these claims.
Research on the efficacy of psychodynamic therapy has grown substantially in recent decades. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally find psychodynamic interventions to be comparable in effectiveness to established treatments such as cognitive–behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy across a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, somatic symptom disorders, and personality disorders.
Evidence is particularly strong for long-term benefits, with some studies showing continued improvement after treatment ends.
While early trials often suffered from small samples and methodological limitations, more recent studies provide robust support for both short-term and long-term psychodynamic approaches.
