A qualitative follow-up assessment two years after inpatient crisis intervention

Objective: 34 patients (50% adjustment disorder) were investigated at admission, at discharge and 2 years after participating in a 2-week crisis intervention program. Method: Measures included SCL-90R, BDI and the Giessen-Test at all time points and a semi-structured interview at follow-up. Results: Patients still suffered from residual symptoms at follow-up. Patients with a partner conflict were readmitted to inpatient care more often. Focussing the patient's perceived predominant problem during crisis intervention had a favourite follow-up outcome. Conclusions: Therapists should ensure repetitively that the predominant psychosocial problem according to the patient's view stays the focus of a crisis intervention. Individual assessment, especially regarding the preferred treatment modality during crisis intervention, may help to plan post intervention treatment.