Illness beliefs and treatment beliefs as predictors of short and middle term outcome in depression

Abstract

The article investigates whether illness beliefs and beliefs about rehabilitation are predictors of short and middle term outcome in depression even when adjustments are made for variables, which are known to be predictors of the course of depression. Within the context of a non-controlled prospective study design, data were analyzed using forced entry hierarchical multiple regression analyses. The sample comprised N = 98 patients. Adjusting for a range of sociodemographic and medical predictors, illness beliefs and beliefs about rehabilitation predict outcome in depression. Illness beliefs and beliefs about rehabilitation are relevant starting points for designing patient-oriented interventions.