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[Adverse effects, side effects and medical malpractice in psychotherapy]
Barbara Lieberei1, Michael Linden
1Forschungsgruppe Psychosomatische Rehabilitation an der Charité Universitatsmedizin Berlin und der Abt. Verhaltenstherapie und Psychosomatik, Rehabilitationszentrum Seehof der Deutschen Rentenversicherung Bund, Teltow/Berlin. barbara.lieberei@drv-bund.de
Zeitschrift Fur Evidenz, Fortbildung Und Qualitat Im Gesundheitswesen
|February 14, 2009
Summary
Psychotherapy is effective, but research on its unwanted effects (UEs) is lacking. This study explores causes of UEs, such as diagnostic errors and poor therapeutic alliances, to improve patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Context:
- While psychotherapy efficacy is well-established, systematic research into its potential unwanted effects (UEs) remains limited.
- Malpractice cases highlight the impact of inadequate therapist behavior, complicating the assessment of treatment outcomes.
- Distinguishing UEs from negative life events or disease progression is challenging in clinical practice.
Purpose:
- To systematically investigate the occurrence and nature of unwanted effects (UEs) in psychotherapy.
- To identify specific factors contributing to UEs, including diagnostic issues, treatment focus, technical interventions, and therapeutic alliance.
- To provide case examples and propose strategies for improved management of UEs in psychotherapy.
Summary:
- Unwanted effects (UEs) in psychotherapy can arise from diagnostic inaccuracies, incorrect treatment focus, flawed interventions, sensitization, or a weak therapeutic alliance.
- The study presents case vignettes illustrating these UEs to better understand their mechanisms.
- Improved management strategies for UEs are discussed, drawing conclusions from the presented examples.
Impact:
- Enhancing the understanding of psychotherapy's potential negative outcomes.
- Providing clinicians with insights to mitigate risks and improve patient safety.
- Contributing to the development of best practices for managing UEs in therapeutic settings.
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