EFFECTIVENESS OF NEUROSIS PSYCHOTHERAPY

After discussing the critical methodical aspects of psychotherapy and psychotherapy outcome research of the last 40 years, the author presents his criteria to make outcome research transparent and understandable. They are: - limiting the examination or unit of examination to only one disorder; - a clear definition of the notion of psychotherapy; - standardized measuring methods for change of the disorder. Methodology and results of an examination over a period of 10 years, according to these criteria, are presented and discussed. Two groups of neurotic patients have been examined: 947 patients, who have been treated in >>open<< psychotherapeutical groups, and 515 patients, who have participated in >>closed<< group therapies. Patients of closed groups (starting and finishing of therapy simultaneously for all members) have significant more breaking offs of therapy and less positive outcomes than open groups with starting point and end of therapy not being regulated.