Beneficial effect of brief intensive cognitive behavioural therapy-based psychiatric aftercare for early discharged non-psychotic patients.

Introduction: In Denmark, following psychiatric emergency admission, patients with depression, anxiety or personality disorders are discharged as early as possible due to pressure on psychiatric beds. However, the receiving out-patient units frequently have waiting time. The design of a brief, cognitive-based psychiatric aftercare service and the early treatment results are presented.

Material And Methods: This was a descriptive study of symptom levels before and after the individual therapy part of a new aftercare programme. The initial new intensive aftercare consisted of psychiatric consultations, telephone outreach and individual cognitive behavioural therapy-based therapy twice a week, in total five times. Focus was on collaborative goal setting and next-of-kin participation. Self-ratings (WHO-5 Well-Being Scale (WHO-5); Becks Depression Inventory-II (BDI)) were obtained at the first day and at end of individual therapy.

Results: The self-ratings at discharge showed a high BDI rating in the patient sample (mean = 32.0 (standard deviation (SD) = 11.9; n = 105)), and much lower well-being at discharge than previously seen in a comparable Danish setting (mean WHO-5 at onset = 5.6 (SD = 4.8; n = 102)). Ratings improved by the end of the individual therapy (i.e. WHO-5 = 8.3 (SD = 5.6; n = 102); BDI = 26.1 (SD = 12.3; n = 105)).

Conclusion: Symptom reduction was evident in the first period after discharge, and the patients were satisfied with the contents and format of the service. However, the results are preliminary as we lack data from a comparable patient group receiving no treatment or treatment as usual.

Funding: not relevant.

Trial Registration: Danish Data Protection Agency, The Capital Region 2007-58-0015.