Priscilla Yardley1, Allira McCall2, Alexandra Savage2, Richard Newton3. 1. Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia. 2. Occupational Therapist, Peninsula Mental Health Service, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. 3. Clinical Director and Adjunct Professor, Peninsula Mental Health Service, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated a brief psychological intervention aimed at improving distress tolerance and decreasing future admissions for individuals presenting to a mental health service in the context of crisis or self-harm. METHODS: Eighty-five participants completed The Crisis Intervention Package at the point of contact with the mental health service. The outcome of the intervention was evaluated through pre- and post-scores on the Distress Tolerance Scale and future hospital admissions. RESULTS: Participants showed a significant improvement in Distress Tolerance Scale scores (P < 0.001) indicating an increase in ability to tolerate distressing emotions. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in hospital admissions 6 months pre-test to 6 months post-test. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the potential effectiveness of structured, brief interventions aimed at increasing distress tolerance and self-management skills for individuals presenting to a mental health service in crisis.
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated a brief psychological intervention aimed at improving distress tolerance and decreasing future admissions for individuals presenting to a mental health service in the context of crisis or self-harm. METHODS: Eighty-five participants completed The Crisis Intervention Package at the point of contact with the mental health service. The outcome of the intervention was evaluated through pre- and post-scores on the Distress Tolerance Scale and future hospital admissions. RESULTS: Participants showed a significant improvement in Distress Tolerance Scale scores (P < 0.001) indicating an increase in ability to tolerate distressing emotions. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in hospital admissions 6 months pre-test to 6 months post-test. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the potential effectiveness of structured, brief interventions aimed at increasing distress tolerance and self-management skills for individuals presenting to a mental health service in crisis.