MENTAL-DISORDERS IN THE NURSING-HOME - ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE

Objective: Many studies of the prevalence of mental disorders among re sidents of long-term care facilities have had substantial methodologic al shortcomings. This study was conducted to replicate a previous well -designed study and to examine additional characteristics of nursing h ome residents. Method- Randomly selected residents (N=80) in a public long-term care facility were evaluated by a psychiatric team using DSM -III-R criteria and quantitative assessments of behavior and cognitive status. Results: Of the 80 subjects, 91% bad at least one psychiatric diagnosis and at least one behavioral problem; 50% had four or more b ehavioral problems. In addition, 29% bad received psychiatric care bef ore admission, and 61% received psychiatric care after admission. Conc lusions: These findings replicate those of the few prior studies that used analogous research techniques, but those previous studies were co nducted in private, intermediate-care institutions whose residents bad different demographic characteristics. The mental health needs of the se residents are substantial and should be addressed by the medical co mmunity and the nursing home industry.