The trajectory of change for children and youth in residential treatment

Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2011 Feb;42(1):65-77. doi: 10.1007/s10578-010-0200-7.

Abstract

This study examined the symptom response trajectories for 225 children and youth throughout a period of residential treatment. With the 10-item Conners' Global Index (CGI) as the primary outcome measure, assessments were completed on a bi-weekly basis during the average 4 month stay within the youth's residential treatment. Clients demonstrated an ongoing reduction of symptoms, and the severity of baseline symptoms influenced the trajectory of the symptom reduction. In addition, symptom reduction was characterized as logarithmic, particularly when controlling for the baseline severity of symptoms. Implications of these findings for administrators, practitioners, and researchers of residential treatment are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Cognition Disorders / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Length of Stay
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Psychotic Disorders / therapy*
  • Residential Treatment*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications
  • Substance-Related Disorders / diagnosis
  • Substance-Related Disorders / therapy*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents