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.