Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for functional somatic disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of within-treatment effects

A recent meta-analysis of 17 randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) showed that Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (STPP) for functional somatic disorders (FSD) reduced symptoms compared to wait list, minimal treatment, and treatment-as-usual controls. clinically important yet unanswered question is how much improvement patients experience within STPP treatment. Following a systematic search, we identified presenting data at baseline post-treatment/follow-up. Meta-analyses determined the magnitude changes in other outcomes from before after STPP, analyses examined effect sizes as function study, therapy, patient variables. We 37 (22 pre-post studies 15 RCTs) totaling 2094 treated an average 13.34 sessions range FSD. Across all studies, improved significantly pre-treatment short-term follow-up with large size (SMD = −1.07), which was maintained long-term −0.90). After excluding two outlier effects short- medium-term remained significant but were somewhat (e.g., SMD −0.73). Secondary including anxiety, depression, disability, interpersonal problems had medium effects. Effects larger longer than 12 or used emotion-focused type chronic pain gastrointestinal conditions neurological disorders. results moderate improvements multiple outcome domains are sustained follow-up. effective treatment option FSD should be included guidelines.