Adolescents who drop out of psychotherapy at a community-based psychotherapy centre: a preliminary investigation of the characteristics of early drop-outs, late drop-outs and those who continue treatment

Abstract

The present study examined the difference between young people who terminated treatment prematurely and who continued in treatment. One hundred and thirty-four young people (ages 12 to 24 years) who attended a community-based psychotherapy centre for psychoanalytic psychotherapy between 1 April 1993 and 31 March 1996 comprised the sample. It was predicted that drop-outs would consist of younger adolescents who were referred, who show a high score for externalizing problems such as aggression and delinquency and a low score for internalizing problems such as anxiety and depression. It was also predicted that continuers would be older, self-referred and show a high score for internalizing problems and a low score for externalizing problems. The results indicated significant differences between drop-outs and continuers: drop-outs were younger, had greater externalizing problems, school problems and presented with moderate to severe hyperkinetic or conduct disorder. Continuers were older, had fewer externalizing problems, were self-referred and were likely to be treated by supportive therapists. Since age was the most significant predictor of attendance, the sample was separated into younger adolescents and older adolescents and the same analyses repeated. In the younger group ethnic minority status, and being treated by a supportive therapist predicted continuing in treatment and a diagnosis of conduct disorder predicted premature termination. The clinical implications of the present findings for the delivery of psychotherapy services to young people are discussed.