[Analysis of the demands for care at a mental health center]

The factors determining psychiatric assistance demand: diagnosis, therapeutic indication and continuity, were investigated over the pattern of 101 patients who were attended in a Mental Health Centre in Madrid. There were no differences between the sexes of the patients (53% female, 47% male), 47% younger than 35 years. Referral source was the general practitioner in the 26%. 52% were diagnosed with the neurotic disorder. The 87% accepted the therapeutic indication and the 34% of patients stopped the treatment in different moments.