Causes for the premature interruption of psychotherapy by private practice patients

Thirty patients who discontinued private psychotherapy prematurely were evaluated. Factors stemming from the dynamic interaction between the patient and the treatment process were the most common reasons for dropping out, followed by chronic character traits such as impulsivity and masochism. It is hoped that this assessment of variables in the premature termination of therapy will serve to alert the therapist to the probability that treatment will be aborted, suggest which mechanisms will cause interruption, and enable the therapist to use preventive measures sooner.