What do psychiatric patients expect from their out-patient and in-patient care?

This study describes patient evaluations about treatment interventions and the subjective value of specific treatment expectations. Method: A random s ample of 425 out-patients and in-patients was assessed to evaluate importan ce of treatment interventions and specific expectations of psychiatric trea tment. Results: Preferences regarding treatment interventions varied among diagnostic groups. Psychiatric patients ranked medication and supporting th erapeutic conversations the highest. Sociodemographic characteristics, numb ers of previous hospitalizations, quality of life and social abilities infl uenced treatment expectations. A patient's perception of dissatisfying qual ity of life and high social vulnerability increased the need for social ass istance. Conclusion: Subjective treatment expectations of psychiatric patie nts should be the start-out for every treatment-regime. Socially vulnerable patients should be identified and specific treatment plans should be devel oped at treatment-start.