In a previous study women with long-term sequalae of child sexual abuse (CSA) were randomly assigned to analytic (Group A) or systemic group psychotherapy (Group S). Pre-post-analysis indicated that both therapies led to significant improvement, but overall Group S had significantly better outcome than Group A. As gains tended to rise in Group A during follow-up and decline in Group S, no statistically significant difference was detected in gains between the two treatment modalities after one year.

This study investigates if gains are maintained five year following termination, and if the groups differ in gains.

106 women started on allocated intervention. Psychological distress (GSI from SCL-90R), psycho-social functioning (GAF), and global life quality (GLQ), were assessed before and after treatment and one and five years following termination.

86 patients (81%) completed group therapy, 68 (64%) completed the one-year follow-up and 64 (60%) the five-year follow-up. At five year follow-up ANOVA was performed using treatment group as a between factor and the four time points as repeated measures. Intention to treat analysis demonstrated that improvement were significant on all measures (P < 0.000). Independent samples t-test on gains was NS for all measures.

Women with a history of CSA who were treated with Group A or Group S treatment maintained statistical significant improvement on GSI, GAF and GLQ five years post-treatment. No significant difference was found in gains between groups.