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• Psychological treatment outcomes for outpatients in a clinical context

  2023. Jan Erik Lundkvist (et al.). Nordic Psychology, 1-20

  Article

  Most research showing results of psychotherapy come from efficacy studies or effectiveness studies from university counselling centers, or therapy clinics at universities. This study is an effectiveness study that aims to investigate the results of psychological treatment in psychiatric clinics for outpatients under naturalistic conditions. The study contributes unique insights regarding the outcomes of psychological treatment for patients with severe psychiatric problems in the complex real environment where many influencing variables exist. Patients were recruited from 2012 to 2016 from psychiatric clinics in Sormland, Sweden in the regular service. They received psychological treatment lasting between 1 and 50 months. The entire period of assessment took place between 2012 and 2021. A total of 325 patients received treatment from 59 participating therapists. Patients completed symptom assessment instruments regarding anxiety, depression, and quality of life at the start of therapy, upon the completion of therapy and, at follow-up one year after completion. Analyses indicated a significant improvement in all outcome instruments between start and completion of therapy. The improvement was largely maintained until follow-up. The effect sizes were moderate. Between 49.1% and 62.9% of patients “improved” or “recovered” as measured by the symptom assessment instruments at completion of therapy. The proportion of improved/recovered on the quality-of-life instrument was 37.4%. In a naturalistic cohort with comparatively severe psychiatric problems, substantial and stable improvements were achieved. The outcomes were respectable considering the population. The study provides external validity to efficacy studies on how psychological treatment works in a real-life context.

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