Abstract

CELLERI, Milagros; KAPLAN, Marcela  and  GARAY, Cristian J.. Dropping out of treatment: qualitative analysis of interviews with patients in group, transdiagnostic and online cognitive behavioral therapy. Rev. bras.ter. cogn. [online]. 2024, vol.20, e20240466.  Epub Dec 06, 2024. ISSN 1808-5687.  https://doi.org/10.5935/1808-5687.20240466.

Drop-out is a common problem in psychotherapy, but that has been little studied, partly because it is often difficult to contact patients in a trial who drop out. Drop-out rates typically range from 35% to 55% and are associated not only with poorer treatment outcomes but also with high costs to public health. The present study aimed to explore the experiences of patients who drop out of transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy in a group and online format (teletherapy). As the problem has generally been studied quantitatively and recent research suggests that the phenomenon should be explored qualitatively, a qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted by conducting semi-structured interviews with three patients who had dropped out of an ongoing randomized controlled trial. A thematic analysis has been carried out along the lines of consensual qualitative research. Although they generally report a positive experience in therapy, the reason for dropping out is related to difficulties in attending sessions (due to illness or work). Some patients reported that they did not feel compatible with the group or that they found it difficult to do the exercises between sessions. It is hoped that these findings will help in the development strategies to reduce drop-out.

Keywords : Psychotherapy; Group; Patient Dropouts; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

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