Some features of 'new long-stay' male schizophrenics.

From an original cohort of 471 admissions of male schizophrenics (260 individuals) to Leverndale Hospital, Glasgow, in the years 1967-70 inclusive, 39 patients were found who in December 1973 had become long-term residents by virtue of over three years' stay. These patients were followed up two years later, when it was found that 33 remained. Three had died and two had been discharged, though one was later admitted elsewhere. Those remaining had an average age 45-4 years, and an average duration of illness of 15 years. The patients are considered in terms of their clinical state, management problems, accommodation, occupational grade, and social circumstances. It is concluded that they represent a hard cord and that very few of them are likely to be suitable for such alternative forms of care as are at present available.