title: Outcome of psychiatric hospitalization for very low-functioning demented patients.
abstract: The authors determined the outcome of geropsychiatric hospitalization for 73 very low-functioning demented patients (GAF score < 21). General psychiatric symptoms, depression, and agitation decreased significantly, and mean GAF scores increased significantly, with no significant change in cognitive function. Psychiatric hospitalization can meaningfully improve function and quality of life even in this very impaired population. Despite these improvements many patients are discharged to more restrictive settings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Bakey
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Kunik
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Orengo
authors.forename: V A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Molinari
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Workman
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Hamilton
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010343:Patient Admission; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome