THE UTRECHT COMPARATIVE-STUDY ON PSYCHIATRIC DAY TREATMENT AND INPATIENT TREATMENT

A prospective randomized comparative study on the effectiveness of psy chiatric day treatment and inpatient treatment is described. The targe t population consisted of patients who would normally have been admitt ed to an open inpatient unit. Outcome indicators were psychopathology, social functioning, interpersonal functioning, social network and soc ial support. No differences in effectiveness were found between the tw o forms of treatment, although more patients accepted and completed da y treatment, and day patients were more satisfied. Although a uniform treatment programme for both departments was established, distinct dif ferences did arise in the actual treatment programme offered to the pa tients. The duration of treatment for the day patients was considerabl y longer, and the intensity of treatment was more low-key. No striking differences in the amount of medication prescribed and in the occurre nce of crisis situations (including suicide) were found. Day treatment turns out to be a realistic alternative for 33% of all patients admit ted for inpatient treatment. It was not possible to predict which type of patient in particular is suitable for day treatment.