Outcome and follow-up study of an adolescent psychiatric day treatment school program.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate outcome and follow-up of 55 subjects who attended a classroom-based, adolescent psychiatric day treatment unit school program (ADTU) situated in a community high school by examining pre-post changes in emotional, behavioral, family, and academic functioning and to identify preadmission and family variables associated with outcome.


METHODS
Student-patients were assessed on clinical/academic variables at admission, discharge, and follow-up, using standardized assessment measures. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated.


RESULTS
Significant improvements in emotional-behavioral and academic functioning were found at discharge and follow-up. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that parent and clinician ratings at admission, total number of separations from family greater than 3 months, parental history of mental illness, and patient history of treatment for emotional problems were significantly associated with outcome. Satisfaction questionnaires revealed a high degree of satisfaction with the program.


CONCLUSIONS
The ADTU is a successful treatment program for adolescents with chronic, severe emotional and behavioral disorders, despite limitations of the study.
Milin
R
R
Regional Children's Mental Health Centre, Royal Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada. rmilin@rohcg.on.ca
Coupland
K
K
Walker
S
S
Fisher-Bloom
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003631:Day Care, Medical; D004519:Education, Special; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D012917:Social Adjustment