Open Dialogue has been successfully used in Finland for decades, where it was developed in the 1980s. This approach is known for its positive outcomes, particularly for acute mental illness, with studies showing high rates of recovery, return to work or study, and reduced long-term medication use in the regions where it originated.
How it works
How it works
- Social network approach: Open Dialogue involves the individual's family, social network, and a team of two or more therapists.
- Focus on dialogue: The core principle is to generate dialogue to allow network members to find their own resources to deal with the crisis.
- Network meetings: Regular meetings are held with the individual, their support system, and the clinical team, often in a home or non-clinical setting.
- Emphasis on shared meaning: The process emphasizes the importance of shared meaning and listening to all voices and perspectives.
- Rapid response: It aims to provide a rapid response to a mental health crisis, often within 24 hours.
- High recovery rates: Some studies have reported that around 75% of people experiencing psychosis have returned to work or study within two years.
- Reduced medication use: The use of antipsychotic medication can be significantly reduced over time, and as a result there are fewer negative outcomes from medication use.
- Less hospital time: Individuals have reported spending less time in the hospital compared to traditional treatment models.
- Sustained positive outcomes: Research indicates that the positive effects of Open Dialogue can be sustained over long periods.
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