The relative value of tranquilizing drugs and social and psychological therapies in chronic schizophrenia
| ISSN: |
1573-6709
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| Source: |
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
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| Topics: |
Medicine
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| Notes: |
Summary Forty-six chronic schizophrenic patients were divided into two groups and treated for six months with tranquilizing drugs in two different settings, a large state hospital and a small treatment center. The rate of improvement was the same at the two hospitals. Marked or moderate improvement was made in one-third of the patients. Another one-fourth was slightly improved and the remainder unimproved. The discharge rate was significantly different at the two hospipitals. Eight patients (33 per cent) were discharged from the small hospital and one patient (5 per cent) was discharged from the large hospital. Discharges were to protected environments, similar in varying degrees to the patient's previous hospital life. The relation of drug therapy to social and psychological therapy in chronic schizophrenia is discussed. Drug treatment appeared to be related to the uniform improvement rate. Intensive social and psychological therapy appeared to increase significantly the discharge rate at the small hospital. The implications of the present study for the management and disposition of chronic schizophrenic patients are listed.
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| Type of Medium: |
Electronic Resource
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| URL: |