A randomized clinical trial on the effectiveness of a reintegration training program versus booster sessions after short-term inpatient psychotherapy.
Although several studies show symptomatic improvements in patients with personality disorders after short-term inpatient psychotherapy, reintegration remains difficult. In this study the effectiveness of a specifically designed reintegration training program is investigated. One hundred twenty-eight patients were randomized to either a reintegration training program aimed at improving general functioning and work resumption, or booster sessions. Outcome measures used were symptom level, work status, absence from and impediments at work. The results showed that compliance in the booster session group was significantly better than in the reintegration training program. The percentage of persons with a paid job increased during the booster sessions from 64 to 87%, but not during the reintegration training (76%). There were no differences in the other outcome measures. We concluded that reintegration training was not more (cost)-effective than booster sessions. Our hypothesis is that continuity of care (same therapists and program) explains the favorable results of the booster sessions.
Thunnissen
Moniek
M
GGZ WNB Mental Health Care West North Brabant, Halsteren, The Netherlands. m.thunn@xs4all.nl
Duivenvoorden
Hugo
H
Busschbach
Jan
J
Hakkaart-van Roijen
Leona
L
van Tilburg
Willem
W
Verheul
Roel
R
Trijsburg
Wim
W
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief / Q000379:methods*; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000379:methods*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome