The Mood Disorders Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Evidence Review Final Report was released to members on 21 November 2024, I am writing to update on the proposed next steps for publication. 

The report, commissioned in 2023, was conducted by the Anna Freud Centre. It examines the evidence for long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (LTPP) in treating mood disorders.

Collectively, the three interrelated studies within the report indicate that LTPP is an effective treatment for some individuals with mood disorders, including those with complex forms of depression. 

The meta-analytic findings show that LTPP reduced depressive symptoms and global distress. In addition, the qualitative studies emphasised functional improvements (e.g., in work and family life) for people receiving LTPP. Members are advised to review the findings from the report as the most current resource to inform the use of LTPP in clinical practice.  

At this stage the report is available to College members only. This is to avoid any issues with submission to peer reviewed journals. Publication of commissioned material in advance of submission is a grey area and that may impact on any journal’s decision to accept for submission.

Peer reviewed publications have a wider reach than commissioned reports and the Anna Freud Centre have confirmed that they are prioritising preparation of manuscripts for open access journal submission by the end of the year, for anticipated publication during 2025. 

The College, in collaboration with the Anna Freud Centre, acknowledge the importance of making the findings from all three components of the report available as widely as possible so that these can support clinical practice and advocacy for long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy.

We are also discussing the possibility of the Anna Freud Centre releasing a publicly available high-level summary in advance of publication, which would not compromise the submission process. This could then be shared with other key stakeholders. 

For further information please contact policy@ranzcp.org.