Cost-effectiveness of Brief Psychodynamic-Interpersonal Therapy in High Utilizers of Psychiatric Services

• DOI: 10.1001/archpsyc.56.6.519
• Publication Date: 2003-03-18T11:45:16Z
• Authors: E. Guthrie
• Keywords: Interpersonal psychotherapy; Psychodynamic Psychotherapy; Psychodynamics

It is known that a small number of patients with mental health problems have chronic disorders and account for disproportionate amount costs. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the cost-effectiveness psychodynamic-interpersonal therapy vs treatment as usual in who were unresponsive to treatment.Subjects (N = 110) nonpsychotic 6 months routine specialist enrolled trial. Sixty-three percent women, mean age was 41.4 years, median duration illness 5 68% unemployed or receiving state benefits because illness, 75.5% had depressive illness. Intervention received 8 weekly sessions psychotherapy. Control care from their psychiatrist. Outcome measures included ratings psychological distress status detailed economic evaluation. Analysis conducted on an intent-to-treat basis.Subjects psychotherapy significantly greater improvement than controls social functioning after Baseline costs similar both groups. Subjects showed significant reductions cost utilization compared controls. The extra recouped within through use.These preliminary findings suggest brief may be cost-effective relative enduring symptoms are not helped by conventional psychiatric treatment.