[Psychosomatic liaison service in neurology. Accordance between need for psychotherapeutic interventions and their realization]. / Psychosomatischer Liaisondienst in der Neurologie. Zusammenhänge zwischen Behandlungsbedarf und Realisierung psychotherapeutischer Interventionen.

The study addresses the realization of psychotherapeutic interventions in the framework of an integrated psychosomatic liaison service in neurology. Eighty-four patients from one unit at the Department of Neurology of the University of Freiburg, Germany, underwent structured psychodiagnostic interviews and filled in self-rating instruments to evaluate mental disorders, psychosocial distress, ways of coping, and quality of life. Motivation and the need for treatment were estimated by both patients and a liaison psychotherapist. Using ICD-10-F criteria, mental and behavioral disorders were diagnosed in 35% of the cases. Thirty-seven percent of the patients desired psychological support. Actual intervention occurred in 27%, with a mean consultation rate of 3.7 sessions. There was only slight agreement between the estimated need for treatment and the interventions actually performed. The realization of psychotherapeutic interventions was subject to a complex interaction between patient needs, "objective" psychosocial distress, and institutional factors. Differentiation between primary medical care and psychotherapy was difficult.

Need and use of psychotherapeutic interventions within a psychosomatic liaison service in neurology.

OBJECTIVES: The study addresses the evaluation of psychosocial distress, the need for care as determined by a psychotherapist and patients, and the realization of psychotherapeutic interventions within a routine psychosomatic liaison service. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 84 patients from one unit at the Department of Neurology of the University of Freiburg, Germany, underwent a structured psychodiagnostic interview and filled out self-rating instruments to evaluate mental disorders, psychosocial distress, ways of coping strategies and quality of life. The need for treatment and the motivation of patients were estimated by both patients and a liaison psychotherapist. RESULTS: Using ICD-10-F criteria, mental and behavioral disorders were diagnosed in 35% of cases. Professional assessment indicated a need for psychotherapeutic treatment in 37% of patients; actual intervention occurred in 27%. Only slight agreement was found between the estimated need for treatment and the interventions actually performed. CONCLUSIONS: The realization of psychotherapeutic interventions is subject to a complex interaction between the needs of a patient, the "objective" psychosocial distress of the patient, and institutional factors. About 10% of the hospitalized patients considered in the study need continuous psychotherapeutic treatment.