Naturalistic studies – Researching the everyday clinical world

Abstract

During the last decade, a vast amount of research has been produced concerning the efficacy of different pharmacological and psychological treatments in psychiatry for various diagnoses. This movement towards evidence-based practices has aimed at grounding clinical practice in evidence derived from research, to optimize outcomes. Such developments should translate into the successful management of seriously mentally ill persons, allowing them to remain safely and productively in their communities rather than in more restrictive settings. Treatment regimens grounded in evidence are well behind the deinstitutionalization of mentally ill persons, which has sometimes even lead to their reinstitutionalization in unfavorable settings (jails, nursing homes, etc.) and unsafe living conditions (shelters, streets).