Outcomes of a Cognitive-Behavioral Day Treatment Program for a Heterogeneous Patient Group

Abstract

This paper describes a day treatment program that provides predominantly cognitive-behavioral therapy for a heterogeneous group of patients. Preliminary results of the program are also presented. Assessment tools included the Beck Depression Inventory, the Symptom Checklist, and a questionnaire on changes in social life. Instruments were administered at admission, at discharge, and six months after discharge. The patients showed significant improvement in scores on all instruments at discharge. Improvements were stable after six months for all diagnostic categories-depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders. The program shows promise as an effective treatment approach for patients with various psychiatric diagnoses.