Abstract
This is a report of a three and a half-year follow up of uprooted chronic schizophrenics, who had become disposition problems at the time of discharge from a state psychiatric hospital. One group of 14 was discharged to themselves, another in small supporting units to share living quarters with fellow patients. The results are encouraging and may throw some light into the problem of recidivisim. All patients were diagnosed chronic schizophrenic. They had multiple hospitalizations, came from the same catchment area, and were followed by the same therapist in the same hospital setting.
Patients who shared living quarters with other patients did better in terms of post hospitalization adjustment, reduced readmission and subsequent time spent in hospital, employment and self-responsibility compared to patients living alone.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Witkins MJ: State and County Mental Hospitals, United States. Bethesda, Md, Mational Institute of Mental Health, Series A, No. 17, 1973.
Zwerling I: Aftercare Systems.J Bronx State Hosp 1:104–105, 1973.
Weinstein A, Patton RE: Trends in chronicity in the N.Y. State Hospitals.Am J Public Health 60: 1071–1080, 1970.
Weinstein A, Dipasquale D, Winsor F: Relationships between length of stay in and out the N.Y. State Mental Hospitals.Am J. Psychiatry 130: 904–909, 1973.
Reich R, Siegel L: The chronically mentally ill shuffle to oblivion.Psychiatr Ann 3(11):35–55, 1973.
Reich R: Care of the chronically mentally ill: A national disgrace.Am J Psychiatry 130:911–912, 1973.
Rosenblatt A, Mayer JE: The recidivism of mental patients: A review of past studies.Am J Orthopsychiatry 44(5): XX, 1974.
Mannino FV, Shore MF: Family structure, aftercare and posthospital adjustment.Am J Orthopsychiatry 44:76–85, 1974.
Rosenblatt:op.cit.
Gurel L, Lorei TW: Hospital and community ratings of sychopathology as predictors of employment and readmission.J Consult Clin Psychol 39:286–291, 1972.
Williams R, Walker R: Schizophrenics at time of discharge.Arch Gen Psychiatry 4:87–90, 1961.
Renhardt A, Gray R: Anomia, socioeconomic status, and mental disturbance.Community Mental Health J 8: 109–119, 1972.
Srole, Leo; Langren, T. et al:Mental Health in the Metropolis: The Midtown Manhattan Study. New York, McGraw Hill, 1962.
Freeman HE, Simmon OG:The Mental Patient Comes Home. New York, Wiley, 1963.
Pryer M, Distefano M: Short-term follow-up evaluation of a rehabilitation program for multiple readmission psychiatric patients.J Psychol 1:180–184, 1973.
Lorei TW, Gurel L: Demographic characteristics as prediction of posthospital employment and readmission.J Consult Clin Psychol 40: 426–430, 1973.
Lorei and Gurel:op. cit.
De Leon. Families for psychotics. Quoted inTime 100(12): 64, 1972.
Fairweather GW, Sanders DH:Community Life for The Mentally Ill: An Alternative to Institutional Care. Chicago, Aldine, 1969.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Gomez, E.A. Small supportive treatment units and the problem of recidivism in indigent chronic schizophrenic patients. Psych Quart 50, 211–217 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01064711
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01064711