RESUMO
Se revisa el papel de la hospitalización parcial dentro del marco de la continuidad asistencial de los servicios de salud mental. A partir del análisis de cuatro casos ejemplificadores de las diversas opciones terapéuticas de estos programas, se cuestionan algunos mitos en relación con esta modalidad y se subrayan las evidencias establecidas con respecto a ésta. Asimismo, se identifican sus principales funciones y los aspectos fundamentales e idiosincráticos que caracterizan a este tipo de recursos.
This paper reviews partial hospitalization in the context of the continuum of care of mental health services. This is accomplished through the analysis of four case examples that illustrate different modalities offered by these programs. Myths about this treatment modality are discussed in light of available evidence. The principal functions, in addition to the fundamental and unique features characteristic of partial hospitalization are identified and discussed.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of the comorbid conditions of panic disorder after 1 year of treatment, emphasizing the detection of residual symptoms and their relationship to other clinical variables. METHODS: Subjects (N = 64) were assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. Comorbidity with other disorders, scores on Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were assessed at baseline and after 12 months. Criteria for residual anxiety/somatic symptoms were defined. RESULTS: Reduction in generalized anxiety disorder rates accounted for a significant decrease in comorbidity at 1-year follow-up, with regard to baseline assessment. When the more severe symptoms of the disorder had remitted, a third of the patients referred physical symptoms with some concern over a fluctuating state of anxiety. The said symptoms were neither a recurrence of panic disorder nor did they account for other anxiety or somatoform disorders. Lower scores on extraversion predict higher risk of residual symptoms. DISCUSSION: The persistence of residual anxiety/somatic symptoms in a third of the patients who apparently achieved a good response to treatment of panic disorder might characterize a minor form of chronic persistence of this condition. CONCLUSIONS: The subgroup of patients with residual symptoms would not be detectable by follow-up studies, which focus on the assessment of relapse of panic disorder by means of strictly defined diagnostic criteria.
