Introduction

Mental health issues among young adults are on the rise, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and interpersonal difficulties. The pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, leading to higher levels of psychological distress in this group. 

While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-known approach for treating such conditions, new research from a 2024 meta-analysis suggests that psychodynamic therapy may offer unique, long-lasting benefits for young adults, especially for those dealing with more complex emotional and relational issues.

This article explores the findings of the meta-analysis and examines how psychodynamic therapy could provide deeper emotional resolution and long-term benefits for young adults.

What is Psychodynamic Therapy, and How Does It Work?

Psychodynamic therapy draws on principles from psychoanalysis, an established field with growing empirical support. For more on the scientific standing of psychoanalysis, see Mark Solms’ discussion here. The therapy is based on the principle that our behaviors, emotions, and relationships are influenced by unconscious processes, many of which stem from early life experiences. It aims to help individuals bring these unconscious conflicts into conscious awareness, allowing them to resolve underlying emotional issues.

Unlike CBT, which focuses on managing current symptoms through structured techniques, psychodynamic therapy emphasizes understanding the root causes of emotional distress. By reflecting on their inner emotional world and relationships, patients can gain insights into patterns that affect their mental health. This is particularly valuable for young adults, who are often faced with significant life changes and interpersonal challenges.

According to the study, psychodynamic therapy is effective in addressing the emotional drivers behind issues like depression and anxiety, leading to more sustained improvements in overall well-being.

For those considering psychodynamic therapy, directories like TherapyRoute can help locate a qualified therapist.

Findings from the 2024 Meta-Analysis

The 2024 meta-analysis reviewed 22 studies, including both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and naturalistic studies, focusing on young adults aged 18 to 27. The analysis found that psychodynamic therapy led to significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and personality disorders when compared to control conditions like waiting lists or standard care.

For a broader look at the evidence supporting psychodynamic therapy, Jonathan Shedler's review of its efficacy can be accessed here.

The effect sizes (Hedges' g = −1.24, p < 0.001) indicated substantial reductions in symptoms, particularly in emotional regulation and interpersonal functioning. The meta-analysis also highlighted that these improvements were often maintained after therapy ended, suggesting that psychodynamic therapy offers long-term benefits beyond immediate symptom relief.

A Closer Look: The Impact on Depression, Anxiety, and Personality Disorders

The meta-analysis provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy across specific mental health conditions:

• Depression: Psychodynamic therapy helps patients explore and resolve unconscious conflicts that contribute to their depression. This approach can lead to more durable recovery, as patients gain a deeper understanding of the underlying emotional factors driving their symptoms.
• Anxiety: For anxiety disorders, particularly those involving uncertainty about identity and relationships, psychodynamic therapy enables young adults to address the emotional conflicts underlying their anxiety. The study found lasting improvements in emotional stability and reduced anxiety over time.
• Personality Disorders: The meta-analysis also demonstrated the effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy for treating personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder. By addressing emotional dysregulation and difficulties in relationships, psychodynamic therapy helps individuals form healthier interpersonal connections and develop a more stable sense of self.

How Does Psychodynamic Therapy Compare to Other Therapies?

One of the key questions explored in the meta-analysis is how psychodynamic therapy compares to other therapeutic approaches like CBT:

• CBT vs. Psychodynamic Therapy: While CBT focuses on symptom reduction through structured techniques and exercises, psychodynamic therapy emphasizes deeper exploration of emotional and relational issues. Both therapies were found to be similarly effective in reducing symptoms, but psychodynamic therapy had an advantage in fostering long-term emotional growth and improved interpersonal functioning.
• Long-Term Effects: The lasting benefits of psychodynamic therapy were particularly notable in the meta-analysis. Patients continued to show improvements in emotional regulation and relationships even after therapy ended, distinguishing psychodynamic therapy from some other short-term interventions that primarily target immediate symptom relief.

Limitations and Areas for Future Research

While the meta-analysis provides robust evidence for the efficacy of psychodynamic therapy in young adults, it also highlights several limitations:

• Study Variability: The included studies varied in terms of treatment duration, participant characteristics, and methodological design, leading to heterogeneity that complicates the generalization of the findings.
• Sample Sizes: Some studies had relatively small sample sizes, limiting the statistical power of the results. Larger, more diverse studies are needed to confirm the generalizability of the findings to broader populations.
• Long-Term Follow-Up: Although the meta-analysis found long-term benefits, further research is needed to explore these outcomes over extended follow-up periods and to compare psychodynamic therapy directly with other treatments, such as CBT and medication.

Vincenzo Sinisi, Clinical Psychologist (HPCSA), Psychoanalyst (IPA) is in fulltime private practice in Cape Town and has over 20 years of experience in psychotherapy. His work is grounded in psychoanalytic principles incorporating a modern, evidence based, and practical approach. He has contributed to numerous mental health publications and continues to advocate for the importance of long-term depth related therapy.