Long-stay and long-term psychiatric patients in an area with a community-based system of care: A register follow-up study

Analyzed case-register data on 25 long-stay psychiatric inpatients and 29 psychiatric outpatients in community-based treatment. 88% of the long-stay Ss were still long-stay after 2 yrs, whereas only 45% of long-term Ss in the community remained in long-term treatment over the same period. Ss with psychoses were most likely to remain in treatment, and Ss with neuroses were most likely to suspend treatment. Findings are discussed in relation to changes in treatment associated with the Italian psychiatric reform law. (PsycLIT Database Copyright 1989 American Psychological Assn, all rights reserved)