Evaluation of methods for the treatment of mental disorders : report of a WHO scientific group [meeting held in Geneva from 20 to 24 November 1989]

Abstract

Establishes criteria that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of specific psychiatric treatments and to determine when an intervention is suitable for a particular disease in a given setting. Addressed to researchers as well as clinicians, the report also offers advice on the many methodological issues that must be considered when investigating the effectiveness of a treatment or comparing the benefits of different treatment options. The objective is to help mental health services improve the quality of their services by selecting treatments that are ethical, humane, and of proven value. The book has two main parts. The first introduces and discusses general methodological criteria to be considered when evaluating the effectiveness of psychiatric treatments. Readers are also given straightforward advice on the ethical issues that must guide treatment decisions and psychopharmacological trials. The second part provides guidance on ways to assess methods currently used to treat the most common psychiatric disorders, moving from the dementias to disorders of adult personality and behaviour. For each psychiatric disorder, the book sets out criteria that should be used when assessing the efficacy of treatment methods, and pinpoints the most fruitful lines for further research. Use of the proposed criteria should make it easier to identify treatments whose efficacy and safety have been soundly documented and to distinguish these from treatments having unacceptable side effects or bringing no proven benefits to the patient