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Age, Persistence and Improvement in an Open Out-Patient Group

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

E. D. Myers*
Affiliation:
North Staffordshire Hospital Group, St. Edward's Hospital, Cheddleton, Staffs

Summary

The ages of 87 patients attending an open out-patient group in a general hospital psychiatric out-patient department are analysed in relation to persistence with treatment. A highly significant correlation (p <.001) is obtained between increasing age and continued attendance, and a significantly greater number are found to attend for six months or more in the age-range 37–47 than at other ages. In a sub-group of 35 patients, all of whom had attended more than four sessions and had returned a questionnaire, significant correlations are obtained between age and symptomatic improvement (p < .05) and between continued attendance and improvement in interpersonal relationships (P < .05).

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1975 

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