title: Randomized comparative trial of a ward discussion group.
abstract: A randomized controlled study of 38 catchment unit psychiatric in-patients in a discussion group showed no significant additional benefit compared with 36 in-patients in an activity group. Symptom change scored by three rating groups agreed closely, average r = +0.64. Patients treated with ECT showed 2.6 times as much reduction in morbidity as those not so treated, but there was still no appreciable difference between discussion and activity groups when this was allowed for. Other treatment factors and the Hawthorne effect appeared to obscure any effect due to group therapy.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D011616:Psychotherapy, Multiple; D011897:Random Allocation