[Late rehabilitation of psychiatric patients]

The results of a catamnestic study concerning patients of a psychiatric rehabilitation unit are reported. The patients were either longterm inpatients (mean duration of stay 8.5 years) or those, who had been transferred from the acute unit for lack of therapeutic progress and thus were probable to become longterm patients. Half the patients of the first and two third of the patients of the second group could be dismissed, living alone, with their families or in home accommodations. In a very few cases occupational rehabilitation could be achieved. Predictors of good outcome were higher age of the patient at first admission to a psychiatric hospital, longer duration of occupational practise, preserved contact to the family and pecuniary security warranted by a disablement pension. Further improvements of in- and outpatient psychiatric care are discussed.