Unveiling the Limitations of Current Psychiatric Approaches

Mental health treatments fall short, fail to prevent ‘revolving door’ effect, study suggests.

By

 Kelli Grant

 – 

January 26, 2024

14

21203

A groundbreaking study led by Rachel E. Menzies from The University of Sydney, published in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology, delves into the recurring cycle of mental health issues, known as the ‘revolving door’ phenomenon in mental health services. This study, titled “The ‘revolving door’ of mental illness: A meta-analysis and systematic review of current versus lifetime rates of psychological disorders,” not only sheds light on this pattern but also raises critical questions about the limitations of current diagnostic systems and the effectiveness of psychiatric treatments.

The study’s findings, which show that the average number of lifetime disorders is nearly twice that of current disorders, highlight a disconnect between the current psychiatric approach and the complex, evolving nature of mental health. This insight underscores the pressing need for more adaptive, transdiagnostic treatment methods and a broader understanding of relapse prevention, moving beyond the constraints of traditional psychiatric practices.

“On average, for every disorder someone currently experiences, they will have previously recovered from an equivalent number of different disorders. Importantly, given the mean age of the samples included and the fact that several disorders were not assessed, the true figure is likely even higher. Although further longitudinal studies are needed, the current findings support the notion of the revolving door of mental illness,” the authors write.

“In light of this, potential clinical recommendations from the current findings are as follows: (1) increase focus on transdiagnostic  constructs  in  treatment;  (2)  broaden the scope  of  relapse  prevention, and  (3) increase emphasis on stepped care treatments.”

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