The College Board has established the Mood Disorders Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Evidence Review Steering Group (the Steering Group) to commission a review on the evidence for long term psychodynamic psychotherapy in the treatment of mood disorders. This review is in response to feedback raised by College members regarding the 2020 RANZCP Clinical Practice Guideline for mood disorders.

Prior to forming the Steering Group, the Board consulted with requisitioning members on both the Terms of Reference (ToRs) and the proposed composition of the Steering Group. The ToRs and Steering Group composition were informed by feedback from the Independent Chair of the Steering Group, the requisitioning members, A/Prof Paul Cammell (Chair, Bi-national Faculty of Psychotherapy) and Prof Gin Malhi (Chair, 2020 RANZCP Mood Disorders Committee).

The membership of the Steering Group includes the following individuals:

• Prof Bruce Singh AM - Independent Chair of the Steering Group
• A Senior clinical academic psychiatrist
• Three Fellows with expertise and clinical experience in psychodynamic psychotherapy
• A Fellow with expertise in evidence-based practice
• A Lived experience community member

The College Board acknowledges the feedback raised by members regarding the 2020 RANZCP Clinical Practice Guideline for mood disorders.

As outlined in the Steering Group’s Terms of Reference (ToRs), a key deliverable of the Steering Group is to develop a Request for Quote (RFQ) document for an independent consultancy to review the evidence for long term psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Regular updates on the work of the Steering Group will be provided to members via Presidents Update and Psyche.

To ensure transparency, a copy of the Steering Group’s ToRs and the finalised RFQ document has been uploaded to the College website. They are accessible via the links below:

Mood Disorders Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Evidence Review Steering Group Terms of Reference [PDF; 121 KB]

Mood Disorders Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Evidence Review Request for Quotation [PDF; 85 KB] [Member login required]

College members are advised to direct all queries regarding the work of the Steering Group to policy@ranzcp.org.