Ten trials (971 patients, range 26 to 326) were included in the review. Nine trials were randomised controlled trials.
Long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy was statistically significantly superior than control for overall effectiveness (Hedges’ d 0.54, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.83, Ι²=23%; 10 trials), target problems (Hedges’ d 0.49, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.71, Ι²=12%; nine trials), psychiatric symptoms (Hedges’ d 0.44, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.73, Ι²=31%; nine trials), personality functioning (Hedges’ d 0.68, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.04, Ι²=0%; seven trials) and social functioning (Hedges’ d 0.62, 95% CI 0.18 to 1.06, Ι²=44%; eight trials).
Sensitivity analysis indicated that results were positively correlated with longer treatment durations and more sessions. There was no evidence of publication bias.