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The Nottingham Study of Neurotic Disorder: Influence of Cognitive Therapists on Outcome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

David Kingdon ,
Peter Tyrer ,
Nicholas Seivewright ,
Brian Ferguson  and
Siobhan Murphy
David Kingdon*
Affiliation:
Bassetlaw District General Hospital
Peter Tyrer
Affiliation:
St Charles Hospital, London W10
Nicholas Seivewright
Affiliation:
Sheffield
Brian Ferguson
Affiliation:
Mapperley Hospital, Nottingham
Siobhan Murphy
Affiliation:
St Bartholomew's Hospital, London
*
Dr D. Kingdon, Department of Psychiatry, Bassetlaw District General Hospital, Worksop, Nottingham S81 0BD
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Abstract

Background

In previously published papers from the Nottingham Study of Neurotic Disorder a short treatment package of cognitive–behaviour therapy was no more effective than placebo drug treatment after 10 weeks' assessment in a cohort of 210 patients with neurotic disorders. This paper examines the outcome over two years of the patients treated by cognitive–behaviour therapy separated into two therapist groups, those who were competent in administering treatment and those of uncertain competence.

Method

The therapists (mainly community psychiatric nurses) of 70 patients with an original DSM–III diagnosis of either dysthymic, panic or generalised anxiety disorder were separated into two groups on the basis of their perceived competence by their supervisor (DK). Ratings of psychopathology were made at regular intervals over two years by assessors blind to knowledge of treatment or therapist.

Results

The patients treated by competent therapists (n=30) generally showed greater improvement than those allocated to therapists of uncertain competence (n=40), mainly with respect to depressive symptoms, and the difference persisted over two years, long after the cognitive–behaviour therapy had been completed.

Conclusions

Cognitive–behaviour therapy given by competent therapists over a 10 week period is of lasting benefit in neurotic disorder.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 169 , Issue 1 , July 1996 , pp. 93 - 97
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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