[Evaluation of treatment at the Copenhagen County Hospital Stolpegård. 2. A follow-up study of psychotherapeutic effects after one year].

This one-year follow investigation is a sequel of a previous controlled review of the therapeutic results at conclusion of treatment in 348 patients. Only 286 completed the treatment and, of these, 191 (67%) attended the follow-up investigation. Three had committed suicide and the remainder defaulted or did not wish to participate. The population followed-up had slightly better therapeutic results and were slightly less socially and mentally stressed than the treated patients as a whole. One year after the conclusion of treatment, 78% had still improved and 64% of those who improved primarily had improved further in the course of the follow-up year and this held also true for 63% of those who did not improve originally. The durability of the primary improvement was found to be 82%. Age was connected with the therapeutic result, subsequent improvement and also the durability so that the result was poorer with increasing age. Numerous other parameters also suggested that treatment gives the best result in patients less firmly established in social and mental circumstances of life. The therapeutic result was independent of sex, type of treatment and duration of treatment. The considerable subjective and clinical improvement as regards general wellbeing and cessation or reduction of symptoms/problems were not associated with greater connection with employment or reduction of assistance from the local authority.