[Expectations of psychiatric patients from their outpatient and inpatient treatment]

This study describes patient evaluations about treatment interventions and the subjective value of specific treatment expectations.

A random sample of 425 out-patients and in-patients was assessed to evaluate importance of treatment interventions and specific expectations of psychiatric treatment.

Preferences regarding treatment interventions varied among diagnostic groups. Psychiatric patients ranked medication and supporting therapeutic conversations the highest. Sociodemographic characteristics, numbers of previous hospitalizations, quality of life and social abilities influenced treatment expectations. A patient's perception of dissatisfying quality of life and high social vulnerability increased the need for social assistance.

Subjective treatment expectations of psychiatric patients should be the start-out for every treatment-regime. Socially vulnerable patients should be identified and specific treatment plans should be developed at treatment-start.