Improving accessibility and outcome of treatment for depression and anxiety
Better access and tailored care crucial in the fight against depression and anxiety
Research by clinical psychologist Eline Eigenhuis shows that the approach to depression and anxiety can be more effective - provided people receive help sooner and treatments better align with their needs. Her study sheds new light on why many patients still fall through the cracks and offers concrete starting points to bring about change.
The research reveals that young people, in particular, often seek help too late for depressive symptoms. Shame, a lack of knowledge about mental health, and long waiting times constitute significant barriers. As a result, symptoms persist unnecessarily long, and the risk of worsening increases.
More input
There are also gains to be made within the treatment itself. Patients regularly discontinue therapy prematurely, but when they are given more input—for example, through shared decision-making regarding the form of treatment - both their satisfaction and adherence to therapy increase. This increases the chance of recovery and reduces the risk of dropout.
One of the findings is that even mild personality traits, such as difficulty regulating emotions or unstable relationships, increase the risk of both the onset and recurrence of depression. According to Eigenhuis, this argues for more attention to these factors in both prevention and treatment.
In addition, she investigated new treatment methods for people for whom existing therapies are insufficient. This shows that interventions such as memory specificity training and group-based schema therapy are feasible and demonstrate promising results in complex or treatment-resistant patients.
Addressing early
By intervening earlier, reducing stigma surrounding mental health, and better tailoring treatments to the patient, mental healthcare can be organized more effectively. Especially for young people, this offers opportunities to address psychological problems at an early stage and prevent long-term symptoms.
At the same time, Eigenhuis emphasizes that further study remains necessary, particularly regarding which treatment works best for which patient. Nevertheless, the message is clear: a more accessible and person-centered approach can make a difference for large groups of people with anxiety and depressive disorders.
More information on the thesis