THE SOCIAL-ADJUSTMENT OF PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA - IMPLICATIONS TO THE MENTAL-HEALTH POLICY IN BRAZIL

A sample (n = 124) of schizophrenic patients from a defined catchment area of the city os S.Paulo, Brazil, who had been consecutively admitt ed to hospital, was assessed for psychopathological status and social adjustment levels. Sociodemographic, socio-economic and occupational c haracteristics were recorded: almost 30% of the subjects had no occupa tion and received no social benefit, more than two-thirds had a monthl y per capita income of US$ 100.00 or less. Sixty-five percent presente d with Schneiderian first rank symptoms. Nearly half the sample showed poor or very poor social adjustment in the month prior to admission. The most affected areas of social functioning were participation in th e household activities, work and social withdrawal. The current mental health policy of promoting extra-mural care as an alternative to the previous hospital-based model will then mean the investment in a netwo rk of new community-based services, that give effective treatment and support to patients and their families. The need of further research i nto the current picture of mental disorders in the country is stressed .