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Published on: July 31, 2017
Feasibility and effectiveness of a manualized group psychotherapy program for autistic adults: a naturalistic
Tina Schweizer1, Thomas Fangmeier1, Andrea Lichtblau1
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Background:
Psychosocial interventions for autistic adults remain limited. This study evaluated the implementation feasibility and potential clinical effectiveness of a manualized group psychotherapy program delivered under routine care conditions.
Methods:
Data from 115 autistic adults who completed the program in routine outpatient care were analyzed. Outcomes included pre- to post-intervention changes in social responsiveness as primary outcome, as well as self-worth, depressive symptoms, and quality of life as secondary outcomes.
Results:
Overall social responsiveness improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention. Significant post-intervention improvements were further detected for self-worth and depressive symptoms, while quality of life showed no significant change.
Discussion:
The findings indicate that the manualized group psychotherapy program seems to be feasible in routine clinical care and was associated with improvements in social functioning, self-worth, and depressive symptoms, suggesting preliminary clinical effectiveness. However, randomized controlled trials are warranted to further establish efficacy.
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