Research on the results of psychotherapy: a summary of evidence

Abstract

The authors present a basic overview of recent research on the outcome of psychotherapy, considering different types of therapy and different diagnostic categories separately. In some studies psychotherapy was more efficacious than spontaneous remission or placebo effects, especially in cases of anxiety and in nonpsychotic depression. As an adjunct to drugs and/or ECT, psychotherapy was effective in lowering the relapse rate of schizophrenic outpatients. Psychotherapy appeared to be more effective when focusing on realistic, relevant issues and when teaching social skills. Family therapy may be the most robust mode in terms of consistent positive results with different problems. Although results continue to be mixed, methodological progress is apparent and optimism for continued progress is warranted.