Prediction of Demographic Factors on the Outcome of Short- and Long-term Psychotherapy

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
K. Joutsenniemi ◽  
O. Lindfors ◽  
M. Laaksonen ◽  
P. Haaramo ◽  
P. Knekt
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Term Therapy ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Long Term Therapy

Background:Demographic factors have been shown to predict the outcome of short-term psychotherapy in the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders. So far, however, information on the prediction for long- term therapy is missing. to be able to choose an optimal psychotherapy length for the patient, it is essential to know, which demographic factors predict different outcome in short- and long-term therapy.Aim:To compare the prediction of demographic factors on changes in psychiatric symptoms in short- and long-term psychotherapy.Methods:In the Helsinki Psychotherapy Study, 326 psychiatric outpatients, aged 20-46 years, and suffering from depressive or anxiety disorders, were randomly assigned to short-term therapy (short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy or solution-focused therapy combined) or long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. the demographic factors (i.e. age, gender, education, income, and living arrangement) were assessed at baseline by a questionnaire. Psychiatric symptoms were assessed with the Symptom Check List, Global Severity Index (SCL-90-GSI) at baseline and 7 times during a 3-year follow-up.Results:Demographic factors were found to predict symptom development during follow-up irrespective of baseline symptom level. Female gender, being aged 25 or more, living with a spouse/partner, high education, and medium level personal income predicted benefiting sufficiently from short-term therapy, whereas being aged under 25, medium education, and living with other(s) than a partner or child(ren) predicted the need of long-term therapy.Conclusions:Demographic factors may be a useful tool in the selection of patients for short- and long term therapy.

The outcome of short- and long-term psychotherapy 10 years after start of treatment

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 1175-1188 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Knekt ◽  
E. Virtala ◽  
T. Härkänen ◽  
M. Vaarama ◽  
J. Lehtonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Work Ability ◽  
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Term Therapy ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Treatment Standards ◽  
Remission Rates ◽  
Short Term Therapy

BackgroundEmpirical evidence on whether patients’ mental health and functioning will be more improved after long-term than short-term therapy is scarce. We addressed this question in a clinical trial with a long follow-up.MethodIn the Helsinki Psychotherapy Study, 326 out-patients with mood or anxiety disorder were randomly assigned to long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (LPP), short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (SPP) or solution-focused therapy (SFT) and were followed for 10 years. The outcome measures were psychiatric symptoms, work ability, personality and social functioning, need for treatment, and remission.ResultsAt the end of the follow-up, altogether 74% of the patients were free from clinically elevated psychiatric symptoms. Compared with SPP, LPP showed greater reductions in symptoms, greater improvement in work ability and higher remission rates. A similar difference in symptoms and work ability was observed in comparison with SFT after adjustment for violations of treatment standards. No notable differences in effectiveness between SFT and SPP were observed. The prevalence of auxiliary treatment was relatively high, 47% in SFT, 58% in SPP and 33% in LPP, and, accordingly, the remission rates for general symptoms were 55, 45 and 62%, respectively.ConclusionsAfter 10 years of follow-up, the benefits of LPP in comparison with the short-term therapies are rather small, though significant in symptoms and work ability, possibly due to more frequent use of auxiliary therapy in the short-term therapy groups. Further studies should focus on the choice of optimal length of therapy and the selection of factors predicting outcome of short- v. long-term therapy.

The Effectiveness of Three Psychotherapies of Different type and Length in the Treatment of Patients Suffering from Anxiety Disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s777-s777
Author(s):  
P. Knekt ◽  
O. Lindfors ◽  
T. Maljanen
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Term Therapy ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Axis I

IntroductionData on the comparative effect of short and long-term psychotherapy in anxiety disorder is scarce.AimTo compare the effectiveness of two short-term therapies and one long-term psychotherapy in the treatment of patients with anxiety disorder.MethodsAltogether 50 outpatients with anxiety disorder as the only axis I diagnosis, were randomly assigned to long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (LPP), short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (SPP), and solution-focused therapy (SFT) and were followed for 5 years. The outcome measures were psychiatric symptoms, working ability, need for psychiatric treatment, remission, and cost-effectiveness.ResultsDuring the first year of follow-up, no significant differences in the effectiveness between the therapies were noted. During the following 3 years, LPP and SFT more effectively reduced symptoms, improved work ability, and elevated the remission rate than SPP. No significant differences between LPP and SFT were seen. At the end of the follow-up, the use of auxiliary treatment was lowest in the SFT group whereas remission rates or changes in psychiatric symptom or work ability did not differ between the groups. The average total direct costs were about three times higher in the LPP group than in the short-term therapy groups.ConclusionsThe difference in effectiveness of LPP and SFT was negligible, whereas SPP appeared less effective. Thus, the resource-oriented SFT may be a cost-effective option in this selected patient group, while unconsidered allocation of patients to LPP does not appear to be cost-effective. Given the small number of patients, no firm conclusions should, however be drawn based on this study.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Randomized trial on the effectiveness of long-and short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and solution-focused therapy on psychiatric symptoms during a 3-year follow-up

2007 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 689-703 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Knekt ◽  
O. Lindfors ◽  
T. Härkänen ◽  
M. Välikoski ◽  
E. Virtala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Solution Focused ◽  
Solution Focused Therapy

BackgroundInsufficient evidence exists for a viable choice between long- and short-term psychotherapies in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The present trial compares the effectiveness of one long-term therapy and two short-term therapies in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders.MethodIn the Helsinki Psychotherapy Study, 326 out-patients with mood (84.7%) or anxiety disorder (43.6%) were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy, short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy, and solution-focused therapy) and were followed up for 3 years from start of treatment. Primary outcome measures were depressive symptoms measured by self-report Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and observer-rated Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), and anxiety symptoms measured by self-report Symptom Check List Anxiety Scale (SCL-90-Anx) and observer-rated Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA).ResultsA statistically significant reduction of symptoms was noted for BDI (51%), HAMD (36%), SCL-90-Anx (41%) and HAMA (38%) during the 3-year follow-up. Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy was more effective than long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy during the first year, showing 15–27% lower scores for the four outcome measures. During the second year of follow-up no significant differences were found between the short-term and long-term therapies, and after 3 years of follow-up long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy was more effective with 14–37% lower scores for the outcome variables. No statistically significant differences were found in the effectiveness of the short-term therapies.ConclusionsShort-term therapies produce benefits more quickly than long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy but in the long run long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy is superior to short-term therapies. However, more research is needed to determine which patients should be given long-term psychotherapy for the treatment of mood or anxiety disorders.

Anxiolytics

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shadi Doroudgar ◽  
Gurjit Bains
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Alternative Therapy ◽  
Term Therapy ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Long Term Therapy ◽  
Pharmacologic Agents ◽  
Underlying Pathophysiology

The underlying pathophysiology of anxiety disorders revolve around neurotransmitter transmission, the pharmacologic target of common medication treatments. Pharmacologic treatment of anxiety disorders generally consists of benzodiazepines for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms and antidepressants as a long-term therapy. Benzodiazepines use should be limited because of habit-forming properties, dependence, and risk of adverse effects. Antidepressants are the typically preferred initial agents for long-term use due to efficacy and lack of dependence. Anxiety disorders may occur as comorbidities with other psychiatric disorders. Other pharmacologic agents are utilized as alternative therapy for patients who do not respond to mainstay therapy or are not candidates for the treatment with antidepressants. This review contains 1 figure, 6 table and 77 references Key Points: anxiety disorders, benzodiazepines, generalized anxiety disorder, norepinephrine, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

Clinical and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Long-Term Therapy With Didanosine in Children with HIV Infection

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 724-731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brigitta U. Mueller ◽  
Karina M. Butler ◽  
Vicki L. Stocker ◽  
Frank M. Balis ◽  
Philip A. Pizzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Chronic Administration ◽  
Cd4 Count ◽  
Term Therapy ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Apparent Relationship ◽  
Term Administration ◽  
Long Term Therapy

Background. Didanosine has demonstrated promising antiviral activity and a tolerable toxicity profile in short term studies. We describe a cohort of HIV-infected children who were treated for a prolonged period of time with didanosine. Methods. Children (6 months to 18 years of age) with symptomatic HIV infection or an absolute CD4 count < 0.5 x 109 cells/L, received oral didanosine at doses between 20 mg/m2 to 180 mg/m2 every 8 hours. Clinical, immunological, and virological parameters were assessed at least every 2 months. The pharmacokinetics of didanosine were evaluated in 85 patients. Results. Previously untreated children (n = 51) and children who had received prior antiretroviral therapy (n = 52) were enrolled in the study (median time on study 22.6 months; range 2 to 48). The long-term administration of didanosine was well tolerated and no new toxicities were observed. The absolute CD4 count increased by ≥ .05 x 109 cells/L in 28 of 87 (32%) of patients after 6 months of therapy. Responses were also sustained in 41% of these children after 3 years of therapy. Children entering the study with a CD4 count >0.1 x 109 cells/L (n = 51) had a marked survival advantage (P = .00002) with an estimated survival probability after 3 years of 80% compared to 39% for children with lower CD4 counts. Although the area under the curve of didanosine increased proportionally with the dose, there was considerable interpatient variability at each dose level. There was no apparent relationship between surrogate markers of clinical outcome and plasma drug concentration. Conclusions. Didanosine was well tolerated with chronic administration, and toxicities were uncommon and usually reversible. In 41% of patients, the CD4 count increased and was maintained at the higher level even after years of treatment.

scholarly journals The role of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy in improving attachment patterns, defense styles, and alexithymia in patients with depressive/anxiety disorders

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50
Author(s):  
Mojgan Khademi ◽  
Mahmoud Hajiahmadi ◽  
Mahbobeh Faramarzi
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Attachment Styles ◽  
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Self Psychology ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Defense Styles ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Introduction Long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (LTPP) emphasizes the centrality of intrapsychic and unconscious conflicts and their relation to development. Although there is evidence supporting the efficacy of LTPP in mental disorders, little research has been published on the efficacy of LTPP for depressive and anxiety disorders. Objective To examine whether patients with anxiety and depressive disorders demonstrate improvement in their attachment styles, defense styles, psychiatric symptoms, anxiety/depressive symptoms, and alexithymia with LTPP. Methods In this retrospective, descriptive study, the psychological outcomes of patients who were treated at the psychoanalytic clinic of Babol University of Medical Sciences were assessed. Fourteen patients diagnosed with depressive or anxiety disorder participated in the study of LTPP using the self-psychology approach. The Beck Depression Inventory II, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Adult Attachment Scale, 40-item Defense Style Questionnaire, and the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale were administered at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze changes in psychological outcomes after each of the three assessments. Results The mean scores of depression and anxiety and secure attachment improved significantly after LTPP with self-psychology approach from baseline to post-treatment and follow-up. Also, the mean scores of neurotic and immature defenses, difficulty in identifying feelings, difficulty in describing feelings, externally oriented thinking, and total alexithymia scores decreased significantly from baseline to post-treatment and follow-up. Conclusion Symptoms of anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, insecure attachment styles, alexithymia, and neurotic/immature defense styles improved after the LTPP with self-psychology approach. Moreover, the improvements persisted at the 6-month follow-up.

Impact of Cerebrovascular Disease on the Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Neurosurgery ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 545-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Spagnoli ◽  
Lucia Innocenti ◽  
Lorenzo Bello ◽  
Mauro Pluderi ◽  
Susanna Bacigaluppi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cerebrovascular Disease ◽  
Vascular Disease ◽  
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus ◽  
Normal Pressure ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Short And Long Term

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The influence of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) on the short- and long-term results of surgery was evaluated in a series of consecutive patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). METHODS: Patients with suspected iNPH admitted to our department between June 1996 and June 2003 were evaluated with four clinical and handicap scales. CVD and risk factors for vascular disease were rated. All patients underwent intracranial pressure monitoring via a spinal catheter. Sixty-six patients received a ventriculoperitoneal shunt with a programmable valve. Prospective assessments were programmed at 2 weeks and 3 months after surgery (short-term follow-up). Long-term follow-up evaluations were arranged in June 2004 with patients and/or relatives and health/home care assistants. RESULTS: At the short-term follow-up examination, a significant clinical improvement was globally present in 89% of the patients (P < 0.05). CVD, such as leucoaraiosis or previous strokes, were present in 71% of the patients. Patients both with and without CVD and/or risk factors for vascular disease presented a significant improvement (P < 0.05) after shunting; 85 and 100% of the patients with and without CVD, respectively. At the long-term follow-up examination (mean, 52 ± 24.8 mo), 24% of the patients were dead and 8% had experienced stroke. Globally, 60% of the patients were still improved (P < 0.05); 52 and 79% of the patients with and without CVD, respectively. CONCLUSION: A high success rate in treatment of iNPH is possible in patients with and without CVD. Despite poorer short- and long-term treatment outcome of iNPH patients with CVD, a long-lasting improvement in their quality of life favors surgery.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document