title: Age factors in patient-therapist relationship.
abstract: This paper reports on the effects of therapist and patient age as factors in the evaluation and treatment of adult psychiatric outpatients. Therapist ratings and patient self-ratings are contrasted in three age groups. Rating scales include symptomatology, motivation, insight, and prognosis. In addition, a chart review follow-up of 68 patients includes disposition and drop-out. The data suggest that older patients are perceived as sicker, but less treatable than younger patients or patients of the same age group as the therapist. Residents express a strong preference for treating younger patients, but more readily develop a treatment relationship with same age patients. Both older and younger patients were significantly less likely to remain in treatment. Age of therapist and patient as a significant, frequent unrecognized factor in psychotherapeutic intervention is discussed and modifications in psychiatric training programs are suggested.
mesh_terms: D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011379:Prognosis; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012647:Self-Assessment