Psychosocial factors associated with treatment preference in mental health

Background: Studies examining the effects of incorporating patients’ preferences into treatment outcomes highlight their impact on crucial aspects such as reduced dropout rates and enhanced effectiveness. Recognizing individuals’ rights to participate in decisions about their treatments underscores the importance of studying treatment preferences and the factors influencing these choices. Aim: This study aims to identify treatment preferences (psychological, pharmacological, or combined) among a sample of patients and to discern the psychosocial and clinical factors influencing these preferences. Methods: A total of 2,133 individuals receiving care at a community mental health unit completed assessments on anxious-depressive symptoms, social and occupational adjustment, and their treatment preference. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, with descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and one-way ANOVA applied. Results: Preferences for treatments were distributed as follows: Combined (49.8%), psychological (33%), and pharmacological (10.6%). Factors such as diagnosis, severity of depressive and anxious symptoms, and functional impact were related to treatment preference with a moderate effect size. Meanwhile, various sociodemographic factors correlated with the selected treatment, though with a weak effect size. Conclusions: There is a pronounced preference for combined treatments. The significance of psychological treatments is evident, as four out of five participants favored them in their choices. Addressing these preferences calls for an exploration within the broader context of prescription freedom in mental health.