Treatment involving patient's family cuts mental health hospital admissions, study finds
The approach focuses on the patient priorities, seeing the same clinicians, and involving people close to them.
Involving a patient's family and friends in mental health treatment can reduce the likelihood of hospital admissions by threefold, according to a new study. The research, led by University College London, examined 500 patients in crisis who were divided into two groups. One group received Open Dialogue treatment, while the other received standard care.
The study found no significant difference in the likelihood of relapse between the two groups. However, those in the Open Dialogue group spent half as long in psychiatric hospitals when they did need to be admitted. The treatment focus on the patient's priorities, maintaining the same clinicians, and involving close family and friends.
Critics argue more research is needed to determine its effectiveness. Dr. Nihad Fathi, who benefited from this approach, felt his life spiraled out of control during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Open Dialogue, he developed a deeper understanding of his feelings and received the support he needed.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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