Summary
What are the aims of the Helsinki Psychotherapy Study?
The Helsinki Psychotherapy Study (HPS) is a randomized clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of solution-focused therapy, short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy, long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis in the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders.
How has the study been carried out?
A total of 367 Finnish psychiatric outpatients from the Helsinki region, 20-46 years of age and suffering from depressive or anxiety disorders, were recruited for the study in 1994-2000. Follow-up evaluations will continue up to 2009. The study includes two separate designs:
- In a randomized design, patients were assigned to one of 3 treatment groups: solution-focused therapy, short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy, and long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy.
- In a quasi-experimental design, patients assigned to long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy were compared to patients who were self-selected for psychoanalysis.
The primary outcome measures were symptoms of depression and anxiety, while secondary measures included work ability, need for treatment, personality functions, social functioning, and lifestyle. Cost-effectiveness was also determined.
Our main research questions
- Are there differences in effectiveness between the two short-term therapies?
- Are these effects lasting in a long-term follow-up?
- Is long-term psychotherapy more efficient than the short-term therapies?
- Is psychoanalysis more efficient than long-term psychotherapy?
- Do the determinants of effectiveness vary between treatments?
- What other factors are essential in the choice of therapy?
What else do we hope to gain from the study?
- Methodological research and development of instruments
- A large quantitative and qualitative database for further research
- Implementation of results and methods for clinical and administrative needs