Am J Psychiatry 1981; 138:1027-1027
Copyright © 1981 by American Psychiatric Association
Research on the results of psychotherapy: a summary of evidence
NB Epstein and LA Vlok
The authors present a basic overview of recent research on the outcome of
psychotherapy, considering different types of therapy and different
diagnostic categories separately. In some studies psychotherapy was more
efficacious than spontaneous remission or placebo effects, especially in
cases of anxiety and in nonpsychotic depression. As an adjunct to drugs
and/or ECT, psychotherapy was effective in lowering the relapse rate of
schizophrenic outpatients. Psychotherapy appeared to be more effective when
focusing on realistic, relevant issues and when teaching social skills.
Family therapy may be the most robust mode in terms of consistent positive
results with different problems. Although results continue to be mixed,
methodological progress is apparent and optimism for continued progress is
warranted.
