ABSTRACT
Depression is one of the most common disorders seen in clinical practice. Depression is a complex diagnostic construct that casts a large umbrella over diverse conditions. Classically depressive neurosis was seen as responsive to dynamic psychotherapy, but research indicates ISTDP can address many forms of depression. The central symptoms of all depression are, of course, a depressed mood and loss of interest in life's activities. The typical symptoms are depressed mood and lack of interest pleasure energy. Depressed people may feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, or restless. The depressive state shows anhedonia, cognitive disturbances, psychomotor disturbances, vegetative symptoms, and frequently co-morbid anxiety symptoms. The overall goals of treatment of Major Depressive Disorder should focus on alleviating functional impairments and improving quality of life in addition to achieving symptom resolution and episode remission. Many practitioners have become disillusioned with the psychodynamic approach to depression.
