The effectiveness of psychological intervention in primary care: a comparative analysis of outcome ratings

A series of consecutively referred outpatients were independently rated, on a treatment outcome measure, by psychologists, general practitioners and the patients themselves. Statistical comparisons revealed high inter-rater agreement and indicated that 43% of the patients had reliably achieved either moderate or marked improvement and 75% had shown at least slight improvement. Favourable outcome was particularly associated with the psychological treatment of anxiety and stress disorders. These results are discussed with reference to previous reports.