An ecological study of the recently discharged chronic psychiatric patient

In order to examine the reasons for repeated rehospitalizations of chronic psychiatric patients, 53 patients were interviewed four days after discharge. A retrospective behavior mapping method reconstructed in detail their activities, locations, and interactions. Results show that many such patients lived alone or in someone else's residence and that they had limited social contacts outside of the home. A majority had a territorial range of less than one block; most did not know the location of common community facilities nor had they used them. The most basic self-help skills were not used by a significant number. To stem rehospitalizations, chronic patients need better and more timely aftercare efforts.