CHRONIC-PATIENTS IN PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTIONS - PSYCHOPATHOLOGY, LEVELOF FUNCTIONING AND NEED FOR CARE

A total of 107 chronic in-patients in a catchment area of 106000 inhab itants were rated for psychopathology on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale expanded version (BPRS-E), for level of functioning on the Rehab ilitation Evaluation Hall And Baker (REHAB), and for geriatric problem s on the Geriatric Rating Scale (GRS). The results showed low levels o f severe psychopathology and low to moderate levels of functioning, in dicating that the main obstacle to community placement was the lack of functioning. Global assessment by ward nurses with regard to the futu re level of care needed divided the patients into three categories: 40 patients in need of a psychiatric nursing home, 30 patients in need o f a general nursing home, and 37 patients who could potentially be dis charged to apartments with community support. This study indicates tha t the REHAB may help to identify patients who are potential candidates for community placement, while the BPRS-E may help to identify patien ts who are still in need of care in a psychiatric institution.