[Group psychotherapy. A prospective study of its effect]

A prospective analysis of the effect of group analytical psychotherapy in a psychiatric day hospital is presented. The majority of the patients were women and a majority of these were from poorly educated social groups. The patients, the psychotherapists and also an independent interviewer found that improvement had occurred: 88% had fewer symptoms of anxiety, 84% had fewer symptoms of depression as evaluated on Zung's self-rating scales. They also reported improved self-understanding, greater self confidence, improved relationships with their families, more harmony at work, in leisure activities and in their sexual relationships. The psychotherapists considered that 60% of the patients had improved in one or more of the above mentioned parameters. These improvements were maintained at follow-up interviews after one year. The patients felt that their physical well-being was better. The number of consultations with their general practitioners, however, did not decrease. Fewer patients employed psychotropic medication at follow up.