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Severely and Persistently Mentally Ill Patients in Italy: an Overview of Epidemiological and Psychosocial Findings

Psychiatric Institute, First Medical School, University of Naples

L. Magliano

Psychiatric Institute, First Medical School, University of Naples

S. Lobrace

Psychiatric Institute, First Medical School, University of Naples

P.L. Morosini

Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Roma

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of epidemiological, clinical and psychosocial characteristics of patients needing long-term treatment. The data concerned the following aspects: prevalence and incidence from the five best-established Italian psychiatric case registers; needs for care; psychosocial and clinical outcome as assessed by means of follow-up studies; social disability and relatives' perceived burden. The one-year prevalence rate of "long-term users" is consistent in Northern Italy, higher in Middle Italy and lower in Southern Italy. The incidence rate was found to be around 4 per 100,000. Even in a community oriented mental health service, users' needs for care are only partially met. A good psychosocial outcome was found associated with the use of social and/or vocational skills training, while the average number of days per year of hospitalisation in a psychiatric department was found associated with poor outcome. A moderate degree of social disability was found among patients needing long-term treatment. The resulting family burden presented to a marked or very marked degree in more than 50% of the relatives.

International Journal of Social Psychiatry, Vol. 39, No. 4, 285-302 (1993)
DOI: 10.1177/002076409303900405


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