Author:
Leenstra A. S.,Ormel J.,Giel R.
Abstract
BackgroundThe objective was to examine the relationship between positive life change (PLC) and recovery from depression and anxiety. Following Brown et al (1988, 1992), we hypothesised: (a) that an excess of PLC would be found in the 3-month period before recovery compared with base rates (‘excess hypothesis’) and (b) that fresh-start and anchoring subtypes of PLC would trigger recovery from depression and anxiety respectively (‘specificity hypothesis’).MethodOne hundred and seventy primary care patients with a depressive and/or anxiety disorder, selected from 1994 consecutive attenders, were assessed at baseline and at 1-year and 3.5-year follow-ups on life change (LEDS) and psychopathology (PSE and Course Interview).ResultsOur results appeared to confirm the excess hypothesis regarding depression and anxiety (twofold excess was found prior to recovery), but not regarding mixed anxiety/depression. They did not support the specificity hypothesis.ConclusionsPLC facilitates recovery but is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for remission. Difficulty reduction is the most important recovery-enhancing factor.
Publisher
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health
Cited by
47 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献