Differences between chronic schizophrenic patients in the hospital and in the community.
Clinical differences between stable, chronic schizophrenic patients with long stays in the hospital and schizophrenic patients living in the community were investigated. Patients were matched for age, gender, and diagnosis. Hospitalized patients had more severe thought disorder and negative symptoms, and those in the community had a significantly higher incidence of depression and anxiety. The community-based patients were also receiving higher doses of neuroleptic drugs and had a higher incidence and severity of extra-pyramidal side effects. Results suggest that living in the community, despite its obvious benefits, may have its price in terms of the distressing effects of affective symptoms and neuroleptic side effects.
Soni
S D
SD
Clinical Psychiatry Research Unit, University of Manchester School of Medicine, Hope Hospital, Salford, United Kingdom.
Mallik
A
A
Reed
P
P
Gaskell
K
K
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001480:Basal Ganglia Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003688:Deinstitutionalization; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations