Attrition and Outcome in Group Psychotherapy among Traumatized and Non-Traumatized Inpatients

Abstract

Objective: To examine the impact of correlates of trauma on the appropriateness for group therapy (GT) in 60 participants based on the similarity of the exclusion criteria for GT to the features of posttraumatic disturbances and borderline personality. Method: We assessed the correlates of trauma (PTSD, complex PTSD, dissociation), features of BPD, psychopathological distress and the readiness for GT. Results: There were inverse correlations between the motivation for GT and multiple symptoms, as well as weak associations with the correlates of trauma. Pessimistic expectations of GT and dissociative amnesia were linked to worse outcomes, while phobic anxiety predicted continuation of therapy. Conclusion: Dissociative amnesia and the expectation of GT are potential targets for pre-group preparation for trauma-related disorders.

Feasibility, acceptability and clinical benefit of a trauma-focused stabilisation group for post-traumatic stress disorder patients with complex presentations on primary care waitlists

“…In previous research, barriers to group format have included concerns about expressing emotions within a group setting, stigmatisation by the group, general disliking of the group composition and concerns about group participation (Kracen et al, 2013) Additionally, our study's treatment drop-out rate of 35% was higher than for average PTSD therapies (Lewis et al, 2020). However, many of our participants (69%) had high symptom severity and complex presentations, which has been acknowledged as a contributor to higher drop-out (Dorrepaal et al, 2012;Gene-Cos et al, 2016;McDonagh et al, 2005;Vogel et al, 2017). Given that stabilisation is hypothesised to improve treatment drop-out (Lewis et al, 2020) and given that services such as Plymouth Options deliver recovery-orientated psychological therapy, further improvement of uptake and attrition is important for this population and warrants further research.…”

Theory Paper: Suggesting Compassion-Based Approaches for Treating Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

“…CFT has been found to have good attrition among a variety of populations including those with dementia (94%; Collins et al, 2018), perfectionism (96%; Rose et al, 2018) and psychosis (82%; Laithwaite et al, 2009) and those in an inpatient setting (95%; Braehler et al, 2013). Given the challenges faced regarding interpersonal domains as described above, this has particular relevance, as populations with CPTSD may find it difficult to commit to a programme of treatment given these disturbances (16-20%; Vogel et al, 2017). In addition, several studies have measured individual satisfaction with CFT, with consistently high levels reported (Duarte et al, 2017;Graser et al, 2016;Clapton et al, 2018), although it is worth noting that populations with high shame may feel unable to give critical feedback, so these results should be interpreted cautiously.…”