David Galarneau1, Hasna Ameti. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA ; The University of Queensland School of Medicine, Ochsner Clinical School, New Orleans, LA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Stable housing is the cornerstone of effective psychiatric treatment, especially treatment for the most vulnerable and marginalized patients-those with schizophrenia. Hurricane Katrina was a disaster of epic proportions that uprooted an entire region. Some residents were temporarily dislocated, whereas others faced more permanent moves. METHODS: The purpose of this retrospective chart review was to examine the housing of schizophrenic patients treated at an area health system before and after Katrina. We sorted patients into 4 living arrangements: living alone, living with family, living in a supervised setting, and homeless. RESULTS: We reviewed 300 charts, and 69 patients met the inclusion criteria. Contrary to our initial assumptions, this population showed a marked degree of stability and cohesion: Nearly 90% had no disruption in their living configuration after the storm. This finding may in part be because nearly 75% lived with family, in addition to specific characteristics of the health system. CONCLUSION: We believe that the results demonstrate the resiliency of the region and its people.
BACKGROUND: Stable housing is the cornerstone of effective psychiatric treatment, especially treatment for the most vulnerable and marginalized patients-those with schizophrenia. Hurricane Katrina was a disaster of epic proportions that uprooted an entire region. Some residents were temporarily dislocated, whereas others faced more permanent moves. METHODS: The purpose of this retrospective chart review was to examine the housing of schizophrenicpatients treated at an area health system before and after Katrina. We sorted patients into 4 living arrangements: living alone, living with family, living in a supervised setting, and homeless. RESULTS: We reviewed 300 charts, and 69 patients met the inclusion criteria. Contrary to our initial assumptions, this population showed a marked degree of stability and cohesion: Nearly 90% had no disruption in their living configuration after the storm. This finding may in part be because nearly 75% lived with family, in addition to specific characteristics of the health system. CONCLUSION: We believe that the results demonstrate the resiliency of the region and its people.
Authors: Barbara A Cornblatt; Todd Lencz; Christopher W Smith; Christoph U Correll; Andrea M Auther; Emilie Nakayama Journal: Schizophr Bull Date: 2003 Impact factor: 9.306