Does Insight Mediate Treatment and Enhance Outcome?

ABSTRACT

According to psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theory, insight is an important mechanism that may lead to better interpersonal functioning. In this article, we have summarized empirical studies attempting to shed some light on insight as a putative mediator of treatment effects. Two case examples illustrate how improved insight might lead to clinical change.

Acknowledgments

Supported by grants from the Norwegian Research Council, the Norwegian Council of Mental Health, Health and Rehabilitation, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Vestre Viken Health Trust, and the University of Oslo, Norway. Thanks to Eigil A. Ulberg, Yngve U. Austad, and Alice Marble for transcribing and translating the clinical material.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Randi Ulberg

Randi Ulberg, M.D., Ph.D, is Assistant Professor and corresponding author for this article. Ulberg is a clinical specialist in psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry and certified psychotherapy supervisor.

Svein Amlo

Svein Amlo, M.D., is clinical specialist in psychiatry, certified psychoanalyst, and certified psychotherapy supervisor. He works at the Department of Psychiatry, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway.

Hanne-Sofie Johnsen Dahl

Hanne-Sofie Johnsen Dahl, Psy.D., Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, certified group analyst and works as a post-doctoral researcher at the Research Unit, Division of Mental Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.

Per Høglend

Per Høglend, M.D., Ph.D., is Professor at the Institute of Clinical Medicine, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo. He is the Principal Investigator in the FEST.