Psychoanalysis and psychopharmacology: new research, new paradigms

Despite initial resistance among psychoanalysts to combining psychotropic medication and psychoanalysis [4], [12], [15], recent surveys indicate that approximately 20-35% of patients in analysis are also taking psychotropic medication [5], [14], [18]. However, until recently there has been little systematic investigation of the concomitant application of these treatments. This article will review several new studies that explore various aspects of the combined use of medication and psychoanalysis and will discuss their ramifications for clinical practice, training and research.