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The Chestnut Lodge follow-up study. I. Follow-up methodology and study sample
Archives of General Psychiatry
|June 1, 1984
Summary
This study investigated long-term outcomes for patients with chronic psychotic and borderline conditions treated at Chestnut Lodge. The research details the methods and rationale for following up on 446 patients an average of 15 years later.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Longitudinal Studies
Background:
- Chestnut Lodge is a private psychiatric hospital specializing in long-term residential treatment.
- The facility primarily treats patients with severe, chronic psychotic and borderline personality disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the rationale and methods for a long-term follow-up investigation of patients treated at Chestnut Lodge.
- To establish a foundation for reporting on patient outcomes after extended residential treatment.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 446 patients treated between 1950 and 1975 was identified.
- Follow-up assessments were conducted an average of 15 years after initial treatment.
- The study outlines the specific methodologies employed for patient tracking and data collection.
Main Results:
- Preliminary data indicates a significant cohort for long-term outcome analysis.
- The report focuses on the methodology rather than initial findings.
Conclusions:
- The study establishes a robust methodology for investigating the long-term efficacy of residential psychiatric treatment.
- This foundational report sets the stage for future analyses of patient outcomes in severe mental illness.