Backgrounds of non-completion of in-patient psychotherapy

46 therapy non-completers were compared with 599 completers regarding their conspicuous personality characteristics. In addition, they were asked to g ive their personal rea sons for breaking off the therapy in a questionnaire . The main results. After the results of the multivariate data-analysis non-c ontinuers are frequently younger and were often only children. Noteworthy i s the common lack of a school-learning qualification and frequent changes o f work-place. Stress reactions are the prevailing diagnoses among those com pleting therapy,while personality disorders, eating disorders and anxiety d isorders predominate among the non-completers. The patients attributed thei r quitting to lack of results, diverging expectations of ward therapy, prob lems with group therapy, and perception of the psychotherapy as too great a burden. Conclusion. Non-continuers are fundamentally open to psychotherapy, but hav e problems with the ward setting. After breaking off their ward therapy,the y often continue with therapy in an out-patient setting. There is also inco nstancy in other areas of life. The presence of eating and anxiety disorder s should sensitize the therapist regarding the potential for breaking off t herapy.