[What are the contributions of social psychiatry services to psychiatric patient management? Results from a mid-size, psychiatrically well supplied city 1988 and 1989].

Abstract

Every year 10-12.5% of the population are in need of psychiatric treatment. Statistical investigations lead us to believe that indeed only one-third of the mentally ill receive treatment. Above all, alcohol- or drug-induced dependence and geriatric illnesses are becoming increasingly prevalent. Patients of the Social Psychiatric Services of the city of Muenster (FRG) for the years 1988 and 1989 were examined for sociodemographic and diagnostic data, and the case histories documented. In 1988 1,019 in 1989 915 citizens were looked after. The treatment was concentrated on the severely mentally ill (22%), psychic geriatric patients (16%) and above all, chronic alcoholics (33%). The studies show that the patients are frequently lonely, have poor accommodation (app. one-third receive only welfare aid, one-third are pensioners) and exist on state hand-outs. App. one-tenth are either under care or guardianship. The peripatetic home visits (1988: 1,923, 1989: 1,512 home visits) are particularly helpful for persons who are immobile or reluctant to establish contacts, and for their relatives. Crisis intervention was necessary for 10% and commitment to institutional care for 6-8%. The Social Psychiatric Services are assuming an increasingly important function in the care of the chronic mentally ill, who--because of "dehospitalisation"--have no access to regular professional care.