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P02-347 - Therapeutic Processes in Family Groups for Hospitalized Patients with Major Depression: A Phenomenological Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 April 2020

G. Lemmens
Affiliation:
Dept. of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Ghent University Hospital, Leuven, Belgium
S. Hellemans
Affiliation:
Dept. of Experimental, Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Leuven, Belgium
J. De Mol
Affiliation:
Dept. of Experimental, Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Leuven, Belgium
A. Buysse
Affiliation:
Dept. of Experimental, Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Leuven, Belgium
K. Demyttenaere
Affiliation:
Dept. of Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Centre, Campus Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

Abstract

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Introduction

Family-based interventions have shown to be effective in the treatment of major depression. In a recent RCT, systemic family groups led to significantly higher rates of treatment responders and higher rates of patients no longer using antidepressant medication at 15 months follow-up compared to standard care.

Objectives

In order to better understand the underlying mechanisms of change, helpful treatment experiences of depressive patients and their partners in the family groups were explored.

Methods

34 depressive patients and their partners were asked to fill out an open-ended questionnaire investigating helpful experiences during treatment at the end of a 6 bi-weekly group session cycle. Responses were analyzed using the interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA) by three different researchers.

Results

Ten recurring themes were reported as helpful by both the depressed patients and their partners:

  1. (1) Presence,

  2. (2) Cohesion,

  3. (3) Support,

  4. (4) Openness,

  5. (5) Discussion,

  6. (6) Self revelation,

  7. (7) Insight,

  8. (8) Progress,

  9. (9) Observational experiences and

  10. (10) Guidance from therapist.

Conclusions

The results of this study help to get insights in the therapeutic factors, which should be emphasized in family groups.

Type
Psychotherapy
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2010
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