Abstract
Psychotherapy can alleviate mental distress and improve quality of life, but little is known about its potential negative effects and how to determine their frequency. To present a commentary on the current understanding and future research directions of negative effects in psychotherapy. An anonymous survey was distributed to a select group of researchers, using an analytical framework known as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The researchers perceive an increased awareness of negative effects in psychotherapy in recent years, but also discuss some of the unresolved issues in relation to their definition, assessment and reporting. Qualitative methods and naturalistic designs are regarded as important to pursue, although a number of obstacles to using such methods are identified. Negative effects of psychotherapy are multifaceted, warranting careful considerations in order for them to be monitored and reported in research settings and routine care. None.
Highlights
Psychotherapy can alleviate mental distress and improve quality of life, but little is known about its potential negative effects and how to determine their frequency
This article discusses some of the current findings and future challenges with regard to investigating and reporting negative effects of psychotherapy
Two recent editorials and a cross-sectional survey published in the British Journal of Psychiatry have recognised the need for further study of negative effects, and provided empirical evidence of their incidence among patients receiving psychological treatment through the National Health Service in the UK.[2,3,4]
Summary
Psychotherapy can alleviate mental distress and improve quality of life, but little is known about its potential negative effects and how to determine their frequency. Aims To present a commentary on the current understanding and future research directions of negative effects in psychotherapy. Method An anonymous survey was distributed to a select group of researchers, using an analytical framework known as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
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