The role of patients' questions in Short Term Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (STPP) with depressed adolescents

Whilst patients' questions in psychoanalytic psychotherapy are a 'neglected' topic in psychoanalytic research and literature, some authors recognise its importance. This qualitative study aims to bridge this gap in the literature by exploring the role of patients' questions in short-term psychoanalytic psychotherapy (STPP) with adolescents suffering from moderate-severe depression. This is a single case study, focusing on the interaction between the patient and the therapist when a question was asked by the patient, using conversation analysis (CA) methodology. Data were provided from a random controlled trial (RCT) in which all sessions were audio-recorded. Findings show that 'surprising behaviours' that seemed associated with heightened affect appeared when a patient asked a question. The author reflects on the significance of these findings within the context of the therapeutic relationship and the implication of these findings for treatment technique.