Schizophrenia

Abstract

Schizophrenic patients (65) presenting for admission were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Control patients received standard hospital care and after-care. Experimental patients were not admitted if this could be avoided; instead they were taken back to the community by the Community Treatment Team who provided them and their relatives with comprehensive community treatment and a 24-h crisis service. During the 12 mo. study period 68% of the schizophrenic patients in the experimental group were not admitted; 10% were admitted 2 or more times and for 5 wk or longer. All the schizophrenic patients in the control group were admitted - two-thirds 2 or more times and for 5 wk or longer. It was feasible to treat most schizophrenic patients in the community. Community treatment was considered by patients and their relatives to be the more satisfactory and helpful form of treatment and achieved a superior clinical outcome.