[Heavy users of psychiatric care].
OBJECTIVE
This paper reviews findings and problems of heavy users research.


METHODS
The German- and English language literature about "heavy users" and relevant border areas was analyzed.


RESULTS
Heavy users are patients who consume a disproportionate share of medical services. The characteristics of heavy users are inhomogeneous. Social problems, denial of illness, non-compliance, comorbid personality disorders and substance misuse contribute significantly to heavy use. Future studies should define heavy use illness-related. More research is needed to clarify whether heavy use of special services is adequate to the patients situation.


CONCLUSIONS
Heavy users should be identified early, in order to offer them alternative services, which better fulfil the patients specific conditions and prevent an inadequate heavy use of expensive services.
Roick
Christiane
C
Universität Leipzig, Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie, Leipzig, Germany.
Gärtner
Anke
A
Heider
Dirk
D
Angermeyer
Matthias C
MC
D019090:Case Management / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005858:Germany; D006300:Health Services Misuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014600:Utilization Review / Q000706:statistics & numerical data