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German experts warn of unwanted side effects in psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is recognised as an effective treatment for mental illnesses, but it can also produce unwanted side effects. Senior professor Bernhard Strauß of the Institute for Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psycho‑oncology at the University Hospital Jena states that a psychotherapy without any side effects is impossible, as the process often brings painful memories and emotions such as anxiety, sadness, anger or inner unrest. These reactions may manifest as crying, despair, temporary worsening of the patient’s condition, or even new symptoms.
Psychiatrist Prof. Michael Linden of the Charité in Berlin adds that side effects can also affect a patient’s social life and work, for example leading to strained family relationships or loss of a long‑term job. Both experts stress that such adverse effects are sometimes necessary to achieve lasting therapeutic change.
Entities
Bernhard Strauß · Charité Berlin · Germany · Michael Linden · University Hospital Jena
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 9 SOURCES] Psychotherapy can have unwanted side effects. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.ruhrnachrichten.de · courage-lounge.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · +4 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] The expert commentary was published on 27 July 2026. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.ruhrnachrichten.de · courage-lounge.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · +4 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Michael Linden says psychotherapy side effects can include new symptoms and worsening social relationships. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.ruhrnachrichten.de · courage-lounge.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · +4 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Psychotherapy can be an effective method for treating mental illnesses. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.ruhrnachrichten.de · courage-lounge.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · +4 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Side effects are sometimes necessary to achieve lasting therapeutic change. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.ruhrnachrichten.de · courage-lounge.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · +4 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Bernhard Strauß says a psychotherapy without side effects is impossible. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.ruhrnachrichten.de · courage-lounge.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · +4 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Side effects may include temporary worsening of symptoms, emotional distress, new symptoms, strained relationships, or loss of a job. www.europeonline-magazine.eu · www.ruhrnachrichten.de · courage-lounge.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · +4 more