OBJECTIVES: This study examined the long-term course of 43 female survivors of childhood abuse after receiving inpatient treatment based on psychodynamic-orientated trauma therapy. METHODS: Data on symptom load was assessed at admission, discharge and two-year follow-up. Further information on post-discharge treatment and life events in the follow-up period was collected. RESULTS: At two-year follow-up global symptom load (GSI), PTSD, depression (d = 0.43-0.57) and self-soothing ability (d = 0.72) were significantly improved compared to the admission status with no change in dissociative symptoms. 40% of the sample showed good long-term outcome (clinical significant change, GSI) with a significant reduction in depressive, dissociative and by trend in PTSD symptoms. There were no group differences in the amount of stressful life-events and treatment in the follow-up period. Patients with good outcome showed more previous inpatient treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient treatment leads to a significant symptom reduction in women with severe childhood abuse. The treatment effects remain stable for two years under further outpatient psychotherapy.
OBJECTIVES: This study examined the long-term course of 43 female survivors of childhood abuse after receiving inpatient treatment based on psychodynamic-orientated trauma therapy. METHODS: Data on symptom load was assessed at admission, discharge and two-year follow-up. Further information on post-discharge treatment and life events in the follow-up period was collected. RESULTS: At two-year follow-up global symptom load (GSI), PTSD, depression (d = 0.43-0.57) and self-soothing ability (d = 0.72) were significantly improved compared to the admission status with no change in dissociative symptoms. 40% of the sample showed good long-term outcome (clinical significant change, GSI) with a significant reduction in depressive, dissociative and by trend in PTSD symptoms. There were no group differences in the amount of stressful life-events and treatment in the follow-up period. Patients with good outcome showed more previous inpatient treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient treatment leads to a significant symptom reduction in women with severe childhood abuse. The treatment effects remain stable for two years under further outpatient psychotherapy.
Authors: Amie C Myrick; Aliya R Webermann; Richard J Loewenstein; Ruth Lanius; Frank W Putnam; Bethany L Brand Journal: Eur J Psychotraumatol Date: 2017-06-28