Open Door Review

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=#)<2_!/>_!i)0*6BB_!@>_!I*0M(_!/>_!A$*&:)%6_!N>_!Q22%$*0*_!/>;>_!")<9B*0*_!">_!V2_! iJJ6M0_!V$%(2<2_!'>_!"$$#)*0*_!i>_!A0#()*0*_!i>! /&$@+>(?#):,&)+&(>M$)(()"+ >! 8<$*$72D)Y!!a8",,.\]d--! =&.4$'! 33 outpatients with major depressive disorder were randomly selected to start dynamic psychotherapy (twice a week) directly (DG, n = 17) and after waiting for six months (WG, n = 16). The symptoms were assessed using the HAMD-17, BDI, SCL-90-DEP, SCL-90-ANX, SCL-90-GSI and TAS-20 before and after waiting, and before and after 12 months of psychotherapy. ;&2-5.2! It was found that depressive symptoms declined significantly among the subjects during the waiting time and among those directly receiving psychotherapy without significant group differences. After 12 months of psychotherapy, a significantly stronger decline in anxiety was found in WG patients. Other outcome differences were not found and both groups showed significant symptom remission. G$#/5-2*$#2! We conclude that scheduled waiting for psychotherapy is clinically safe and associates with a significant decline in symptoms. We regard it likely that the scheduled protocol for the waiting time is perceived as a preparatory phase for treatment, which already has a significant effect on symptoms even though active treatment has not yet taken place. We furthermore suggest that this hope rising effect may be included in the initial stage of any scheduled treatment and its nonspecific effect should be recognised. G$#.1/.\!

Dr. Paul Knekt, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Email: paul.knekt@thl.fi Website: www.thl.fi/hps !

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.01230/1.40/5&&'67894/0/571.8/5&&/6648./1.40&

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