Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder before and after psychodynamic group psychotherapy: a 1-year follow-up study

Abstract Objective. The aim of our study was to observe the outcome of MADD in comparison with depressive (DD) and anxiety (AD) disorders. Method. Patients treated with 12 weeks of group psychodynamic psychotherapy in a psychiatric day care ward were examined using SCAN 2.1 at admission and 1 year after admission. Treatment was indicated on the basis of diagnosis of ICD-10 - F4-F6. A total of 139 patients were included, 110 (79.1%) of whom were examined at the follow-up point. Results. The prevalence of MADD increased from 22.7% at the baseline to 33.6% at the end. The outcome of MADD was statistically different from the outcome of DD (χ(2)=18.4, P=0.0025), but not different from the outcome of comorbid DD and AD (χ(2)=1.8, P=0.84), nor generalized anxiety disorder (χ(2)=8.1, P=0.15), nor other AD (χ(2)=5.3, P=0.38). Conclusion. MADD is a useful diagnosis of a transitional or residual form of comorbid DD and AD in some specific population groups. A diagnosis of personality disorder can sustain long-term diagnosis of MADD.