Chronically depressed patients are often considered difficult to treat because the illness is often closely related to severe traumatic experiences. This manual focuses on traumatized, chronically depressed patients: it outlines both the disorder as well as its diagnostic approach and explains the basic assumptions of the psychoanalytic understanding of depression. 

It explains the basic treatment steps in long-term psychoanalytic treatment of chronically depressed, early traumatized patients, and addresses specific challenges such as suicidality, aggression, and guilt. Basic therapeutic approaches and treatment principles are illustrated through specific case examples. The effectiveness of this manual has been demonstrated in a study of long-term therapies for chronic depression (the so-called LAC Depression Study).

For:
• psychoanalysts
• psychotherapists working on the basis of depth
psychology
• mental health professionals that provide psychotherapy
• candidates for training in psychotherapy