Paper presentation by Michigan Psychoanalytic Society Member John H. Porcerelli, Ph.D., ABPP (sponsored by Michigan Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology)

Sunday, February 10,  2008
Coffee & Conversation 11:00 - 11:30 a.m
Presentation 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Providence Hospital,  Fisher Auditorium
16001 West Nine Mile Rd.
Southfield Michigan

ABSTRACT:  To date, no known systematic case studies, effectiveness studies, or randomized control trials exist for psychoanalysis in the treatment of Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD). In this study of a psychoanalysis of 5 year's duration, self-reported symptoms, and observer-rated personality disorder (PD), global functioning, object relations, defense mechanisms, and psychological health were gathered at intake, yearly, and at 1-year follow-up.  Process data was also gathered to determine the extent to which the treatment adhered to psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and interpersonal Therapy principles. The process and outcome findings, to be discussed in detail in the presentation, make clear that further investigation of psychoanalysis for AVPD is warranted. They further demonstrate the usefulness of assessing multiple domains of patient functioning and treatment process in case study research. The presentation will include some discussion of how systematic case studies may be a way to bridge the gap between clinical research and practice.

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT:  John H. Porcerelli, PhD, ABPP is an Associate Professor and Director of Behavioral Science, Department of Family Medicine & Public Health Sciences at Wayne State University School of Medicine. His research includes the process and outcome in adult and adolescent psychotherapy, health effects of violence, and the physician-patient relationship. He maintains a private practice of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis in Birmingham, MI.