Dose effect in child psychotherapy: outcomes associated with negligible treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the outcomes of children who received negligible amounts of outpatient treatment to children receiving more treatment.


METHODS
A random regression longitudinal model was used to analyze outcomes of children (aged 5-17 years) from the Fort Bragg Evaluation Project.


RESULTS
In examining several outcomes, the results show no statistically significant dose effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Children receiving substantial amounts of treatment showed no better mental health outcomes than those receiving negligible amounts of treatment. The results do not support the existence of a dose effect consistent enough to guide clinicians, administrators, or policymakers.
Andrade
A R
AR
Center for Mental Health Policy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA. andrade@uansv5.vanderbilt.edu
Lambert
E W
EW
Bickman
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000191:economics; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief / Q000191:economics