Impact of Perceived Therapeutic Effect on Mental Health Problems

Abstract

Research has shown that psychotherapy positively impacts mental health recovery without the side effects associated like medications. However, there are limited studies on the perception of therapeutic effects in Pakistan. This study aims to address this gap by examining the perceived therapeutic impact on mental health problems operationalized as depression and anxiety. A cross-sectional correlational research design was used, with purposive sampling to select 380 participants who were at least 18 years old, had intermediate education, and were diagnosed with comorbid anxiety and depression. The findings indicate that the perceived therapeutic effect has a negative association, though not significant, with both depression and anxiety. Additionally, anxiety and depression were found to be significantly and positively related. Linear regression analysis shows a non-significant negative impact of the perceived therapeutic effect on both dependent variables; depression and anxiety. Gender differences were observed, with men scoring higher than women on the therapeutic effect, though this difference was not significant. Women scored significantly higher than men on the depression variable and also scored higher, though not significantly, on the anxiety variable. The study concludes by discussing the limitations, recommendations, and the importance of understanding the therapeutic effect in improving mental health and enhancing the well-being of patients.