Patient experience of negative effects of psychological treatment: results of a national survey.
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background
To make informed choices, patients need information about negative as well as positive effects of treatments. There is little information about negative effects of psychological interventions.
Aims
To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for perceived
negative effects of psychological treatment for common mental disorders.
Method
Cross-sectional survey of people receiving psychological treatment from 184 services in England and Wales. Respondents were asked whether they had experienced lasting bad effects from the treatment they received.
Results
Of 14,587 respondents, 763 (5.2%) reported experiencing lasting bad effects. People aged over 65 were less likely to report such effects and sexual and ethnic minorities were more likely to report them. People who were unsure what type of therapy they received were more likely to report negative effects (Odds Ratio = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.22 to, 1.87), and those that stated that they were given enough information about therapy before it started they were less likely to report them (Odds Ratio = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.52 to 0.76).
Conclusion
One in 20 people responding to this survey reported lasting bad effects from psychological treatment. Clinicians should discuss
the potential for both the positive and negative effects of therapy
before it starts.
To make informed choices, patients need information about negative as well as positive effects of treatments. There is little information about negative effects of psychological interventions.
Aims
To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for perceived
negative effects of psychological treatment for common mental disorders.
Method
Cross-sectional survey of people receiving psychological treatment from 184 services in England and Wales. Respondents were asked whether they had experienced lasting bad effects from the treatment they received.
Results
Of 14,587 respondents, 763 (5.2%) reported experiencing lasting bad effects. People aged over 65 were less likely to report such effects and sexual and ethnic minorities were more likely to report them. People who were unsure what type of therapy they received were more likely to report negative effects (Odds Ratio = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.22 to, 1.87), and those that stated that they were given enough information about therapy before it started they were less likely to report them (Odds Ratio = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.52 to 0.76).
Conclusion
One in 20 people responding to this survey reported lasting bad effects from psychological treatment. Clinicians should discuss
the potential for both the positive and negative effects of therapy
before it starts.
Date Issued
2016-03-01
Date Acceptance
2015-07-01
Citation
British Journal of Psychiatry, 2016, 208 (3), pp.260-265
ISSN
1472-1465
Publisher
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Start Page
260
End Page
265
Journal / Book Title
British Journal of Psychiatry
Volume
208
Issue
3
Copyright Statement
© 2015 Royal College of Psychiatrists. This is an author-produced electronic version of an article accepted for publication in the British Journal of Psychiatry, and subject to a 12 months embargo, on publication.
Subjects
Psychiatry
11 Medical And Health Sciences
17 Psychology And Cognitive Sciences
Publication Status
Published