Aspects of deinstitutionalization: Accumulation of 'chronicity' in the community, and the burden on the families of non-hospitalized patients A two parts pilot study

Abstract

The first part of this article is concerned with the identification of a group of patients defined as high-users of community services, and for which the costs to the community of accumulating chronicity has been calculated. It is suggested that patients of this type reflect a tendency to the development of a new type of institutionalization in the community. The second part assesses the burden on families of patients belonging to the above type and of a contrast group. The results of this second part verify the assumption that the occurrence of a mental disorder in a family member represents a severe burden for his/her family. In particular, the occurrence of severe disturbances in the emotional atmosphere of the family and in the pattern of interactions among the family members is evidenced. It is suggested that programmes aimed at giving guidance to families of mentally ill patients should be developed.