[Multisystemic Therapy (MST) for adolescents with severe conduct disorders in German-speaking Switzerland -...

To determine the extent to which MST can be applied in German-speaking Switzerland, and the extent to which respectable international treatment outcomes can be replicated.

A sample of 70 adolescents was treated for an average of 155 days. Of these adolescents, 60 (85.5 %) remained in the study until the conclusion of treatment. The results of the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) are available for 38 (63.3 %) of the completers. For 52 patients (86.7 %), the therapist ratings for Values for Clinical Global Impression (CGI) and for Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) are available.

The overall problem score of the parent version of the SDQ was reduced from 20 at the beginning of treatment to 14.6 at the conclusion of treatment. The overall score of the GAF improved from 55.4 to 70.3, and the CGI improved from 3.6 to 2.7 points. These results are statistically highly significant. The 6-month follow-up interview revealed treatment success rates of 91 % for «adolescent remains in his family of origin,» 94 % for «adolescent remains in school or vocational training,» and 91 % for «adolescent does not commit chargeable offences.» The 18-month follow-up interviews show success rates of 80 %, 86 %, and 86 %, respectively.

Multisystemic Therapy is a complex treatment program that is clearly applicable in the cultural environment of Switzerland. Respectable international results were replicated in this sample.