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Effectiveness and predictors of outcome in routine out-patient mental health care for older adults

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 April 2014

Marjolein A. Veerbeek*
Affiliation:
Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), Utrecht, The Netherlands
Richard C. Oude Voshaar
Affiliation:
University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Groningen, the Netherlands
Anne Margriet Pot
Affiliation:
Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), Utrecht, The Netherlands Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Marjolein Veerbeek, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), PO. Box 725, 3500 AS, Utrecht, the Netherlands. Phone: + 31 30 2959313; Fax: +31 30 2971111. Email: mveerbeek@trimbos.nl.

Abstract

Background:

Meta-analyses show efficacy of several psychological and pharmacological interventions for late-life psychiatric disorders, but generalization of effects to routine mental health care for older people remains unknown. Aim of this study is to investigate the improvement of functioning within one year of referral to an outpatient mental health clinic for older adults.

Methods:

Pre-post measurement of the Health of Nations Outcome Scale 65+ (HoNOS 65+) in 704 older people referred for psychiatric problems (no dementia) to any of the seven participating mental health care organizations.

Results:

The pre-post-test Cohen's d effect size was 1.08 in the total group and 1.23 in depressed patients, the largest subgroup. Linear regression identified better functioning at baseline, comorbid personality disorder, somatic comorbidity and life events during treatment as determinants of a worse outcome.

Conclusions:

Functioning of older persons with psychiatric problems largely improves after treatment in routine mental health care.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2014 

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