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The Relationship Between Outpatient Mental Health Treatment and Subsequent Mental Health Symptoms and Disorders in Young Adults

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate community-based outpatient mental health services for young adults. Participants were interviewed at ages 21, 24, 27, and 30. Outcomes included: (1) symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety, social phobia, dysthymia and post traumatic stress individually and as a global scale; and (2) a dichotomous diagnosis variable inclusive of all above disorders. Treatment was indicated by an outpatient visit to a psychiatrist or other professional. Treatment did not reduce mental disorder or symptoms. Substance use, violence, poverty, community disorganization, and family history of antisocial behavior increased risks for negative outcomes, while social support was protective. The absence of positive findings associated with outpatient treatment is troubling given the empirically supported interventions for the conditions examined. Practitioners, agencies, and managed care organizations share a responsibility to implement effective and comprehensive interventions.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by grants #1R01DA09679-11 and #9R01DA021426-08 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, #R24MH56587-06 from the National Institute of Mental Health, and #21548 from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the funding agencies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mental Health Law & Policy, Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MHC 2718, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA

    Richard A. Van Dorn, Kristen Chandler & M. Scott Young

  2. Social Development Research Group, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    Rick Kosterman, Richard F. Catalano & J. David Hawkins

  3. Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA

    James Herbert Williams

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  1. Richard A. Van Dorn
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  2. Rick Kosterman
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  3. James Herbert Williams
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  4. Kristen Chandler
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  5. M. Scott Young
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  6. Richard F. Catalano
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  7. J. David Hawkins
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Correspondence to Richard A. Van Dorn.

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Van Dorn, R.A., Kosterman, R., Williams, J.H. et al. The Relationship Between Outpatient Mental Health Treatment and Subsequent Mental Health Symptoms and Disorders in Young Adults. Adm Policy Ment Health 37, 484–496 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-010-0291-2

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