A psychogeriatric assessment program. I. Social functioning and ward behavior.

Eightly newly admitted psychogeriatric patients were intensively investigated by a variety of disciplines -- medical, laboratory, and psychologic-psychiatric tests, including a Minimal Social Behavior Scale and an Integrative Social Functioning Scale. The sample of patients and methods of study for this 10-month Geriatric Assessment Program are described. Assessment of present and past social functioning revealed good agreement between ratings made by different staff members. A decline in social functioning with time differentiated organic from functional psychiatric illness. Some of the scales employed may be of value for social screening purposes in the community.