Indication and Prevalence of Inpatient Psychosomatic-Psychotherapeutic Rehabilitation in Patients in Outpatient Psychotherapy Data from a Study on the Epidemiology of Care

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Outpatient psychotherapy is qualitatively and quantitatively an important treatment option for patients with psychological disorders. Additionally, there is the option of inpatient care, including psychosomatic rehabilitation units. There is a lack of data on the cooperation between the ambulatory and the inpatient sector, and on which patients in outpatient psychotherapy have already been in psychosoamtic rehabilitation or should be admitted. 131 psychotherapists were interview with regard to 322 cases they had recently seen with focus on the ongoing treatment, previous rehabilitation-treatments and current indications for rehabilitation programs. Almost all patients were suffering from year long disorders. More than every second patient had problems at work. Together, these are core criteria for psychosomatic rehabilitation. 28% had already been in inpatient rehabilitation and another 28% were seen in need of inpatient rehabilitation. Comparison of patients who had been, were in need, or did not need such treatment showed that rehabilitation patients were older, had a lower education, were more severe ill, showed a more problematic course of treatment, had more problems with participation and needed more socio-medical support. Results suggest that psychotherapists treat many patients, who fullfilled admission criteria for inpatient rehabilitation. They are important cooperation partners of rehabilitation units. Pension and health care insurance should support cooperation. Because of the great number of patients there is also the need to sharpen the criteria for inpatient treatment.