Dose effect in child psychotherapy: outcomes associated with negligible treatment

J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2000 Feb;39(2):161-8. doi: 10.1097/00004583-200002000-00014.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the outcomes of children who received negligible amounts of outpatient treatment to children receiving more treatment.

Method: A random regression longitudinal model was used to analyze outcomes of children (aged 5-17 years) from the Fort Bragg Evaluation Project.

Results: In examining several outcomes, the results show no statistically significant dose effect.

Conclusions: Children receiving substantial amounts of treatment showed no better mental health outcomes than those receiving negligible amounts of treatment. The results do not support the existence of a dose effect consistent enough to guide clinicians, administrators, or policymakers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Ambulatory Care* / economics
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / economics
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Child Behavior Disorders / therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / economics
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Psychotherapy* / economics
  • Psychotherapy, Brief / economics