[Efficacy of psychosomatic inpatient treatment for somatoform disorders: results of a multicenter study].

Objectives: The present study describes self- and therapist-reported treatment effects of inpatient psychotherapy for various somatoform disorders.

Methods: A total of 2,062 patients with the primary diagnosis F45.XX (ICD-10, Somatoform Disorders) were treated at 17 psychosomatic clinics in Bavaria, Germany.

Does a cognitive-training programme improve the performance of middle-aged employees undergoing in-patient psychosomatic treatment?

Purpose: With the ever-increasing average life expectancy and rising age of retirement, cognitive and work capacities in advanced age take on great importance. Cognitive impairments, however, increase with age. The effect of cognitive-training programmes on people with mild cognitive impairment has not been verified in any systematic investigations.

[Utilization of self-help groups and psychotherapy after psychosomatic-psychotherapeutic in-patient treatment].

Until now little is known about the role of participation in self-help groups alone or combined with psychotherapy in post-in-patient care. In the present study 2933 patients were questioned about their experience of self-help groups and psychotherapy after discharge from a clinic for psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy. Nearly 8 % of them utilized self-help groups (mostly combined with out-patient psychotherapy), and altogether 68 % out-patient psychotherapy following in-patient treatment.

[Utilization and significance of self-help groups in treatment careers of psychosomatic inpatients].

Objectives: Patients' self-help group participation has been neglected in psychotherapy research. This study determines previous self-help group experience, therapist recommendations and plans for future participation.

Methods: 1,604 patients were surveyed by questionnaire at intake and discharge from psychosomatic treatment regarding previous self-help experiences, therapist recommendation and plans for future self-help participation.

Vocational training integrated into inpatient psychosomatic rehabilitation--short and long-term results from a controlled study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a vocational training programme on short- and long-term results after psychosomatic rehabilitation.

Method: 1,590 inpatients were screened for vocational integration. A high-risk group of 266 patients was randomly assigned to the vocational training programme plus psychosomatic treatment; treatment- as- usual served as a control condition.