Outcome and follow-up study of an adolescent psychiatric day treatment school program.

Objectives: 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.

Method: 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.