Understanding the Trial Results
This study looked at how different amounts of therapy help people with depression and personality disorders over time. Here’s what we found:
What Worked?
- Patients who received 50 therapy sessions showed quicker improvements at first compared to those who had 25 sessions.
- After 24 months, about 66% of patients were no longer depressed, and 76% showed improvement in their personality disorders, regardless of how many sessions they had.
What Didn’t Work?
- In the long run, having more therapy sessions (50 instead of 25) did not lead to better outcomes. Both groups ended up doing similarly well.
- Some patients in the lower dosage group improved because they received extra therapy outside the study.
How Does This Help Patients and Clinics?
- Patients can feel reassured that both types of therapy (Short-term Psychodynamic Supportive Psychotherapy and Schema Therapy) are effective.
- Clinics can offer flexible therapy options without worrying that fewer sessions will harm long-term results.
Real-World Opportunities
- Hospitals can implement both therapy types and allow patients to choose based on their needs.
- Doctors can monitor patient progress over time to see how well different therapies work for each individual.
Measurable Outcomes
- Track depression severity using the Beck Depression Inventory-II.
- Monitor remission rates for depression and personality disorders at regular intervals.
AI Tools to Consider
- AI tools can help track patient progress and suggest personalized therapy plans based on individual needs.
- Consider using AI for scheduling and managing therapy sessions to improve patient engagement.
Step-by-Step Plan for Clinics
- Start by offering both therapy types to a small group of patients.
- Monitor their progress using the recommended measurement tools.
- Gather feedback from patients about their experiences.
- Gradually expand the program based on what works best for your patients.
For more details on this research, you can read the full study here.
