The efficacy of Brief Object Relations Psychotherapy on major depressive disorder comorbid with cluster C personality

Abstract Background: Personality disorders have essential roles in developing and maintaining depressive episodes, though psychotherapies must approach both symptoms and personality problems. This study examined the efficacy of Brief Object Relations Psychotherapy on depression severity and perceived quality of life of women suffer from major depressive disorder comorbid with cluster C personality disorders. Methods: by purposive sampling method, 6 subjects which met the in/exclusion criteria, were participated in a single subject design study randomly. Interventions were arranged based on A/B with follow up design. Each subject completed Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and original McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL) every session during 3 baseline, 15 treatment and 3 follow up assessments sessions. Results: Patients totally reached 55% remission in depression severity with mean effect size 1.92 and 43% remission in perceived quality of life with mean effect size 2.08. Gains were maintained in follow up. Conclusion: The efficacy of Brief Object Relations Psychotherapy was statistically and clinically significant. Perceived quality of life reached to normal range, whereas cluster C personality disorders resistance remission from depression.