Psychiatric News (5/8) reports a study found that “individuals with serious mental illness who received assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) experienced improvements across a broad range of clinical outcomes, including adherence to treatment, symptoms, and self-reported quality of life.” Researchers saw patients who completed court-mandated AOT had their “appointment adherence increased by more than 24%, while medication adherence increased by 20%. Additionally, violent behavior was reduced by more than 19% and suicidal ideation by more than 24%. Illicit drug use and risk of homelessness also decreased following AOT completion.” Researchers noted that “the length of mandated treatment was also found to be important.” The study was published in Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice.
Related Links:
— “Patients Receiving Court-Mandated Outpatient Treatment Show Broad Improvements,” Psychiatric News, May 8, 2025