title: Outcome of a randomized study of a mental health peer education and support group in the VA.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Study objectives were to compare mental health outcomes of a peer-led recovery group, a clinician-led recovery group, and usual treatment and to examine the effect of group attendance on outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study used a randomized design with three groups: a recovery-oriented peer-led group (Vet-to-Vet), a clinician-led recovery group, and usual treatment. The sample included 240 veterans. Recovery and mental health assessments were obtained at enrollment and three months later. Intention-to-treat analysis using mixed-model regression was performed to examine the effect of the intervention. "As treated" analysis was performed to examine the effect of group attendance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no statistically significant differences in improvement among the groups. Across groups, depression and functioning, psychotic symptoms, and overall mental health improved significantly. Better group attendance was associated with more improvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study adds to the evidence suggesting no short-term incremental benefit (or harm) from peer services beyond usual care.
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Quality, Outcomes & Economic Research, ENRM Veterans Hospital, 200 Springs Rd. (152), Bedford, MA 01730, USA. susan.eisen@va.gov
authors.forename: Susan V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Eisen
authors.forename: Mark R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Schultz
authors.forename: Lisa N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Mueller
authors.forename: Curt
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Degenhart
authors.forename: Jack A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Sandra G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Resnick
authors.forename: Cindy L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Christiansen
authors.forename: Moe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: Kathryn A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Bottonari
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Rosenheck
authors.forename: Dolly
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sadow
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000193:education*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010379:Peer Group; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs; D014728:Veterans / Q000193:education*