Clinical and socio-cultural parameters in Nigerian psychiatric patients. A prospective study

Three hundred and eighteen consecutive new patients presenting at a psychiatric unit in Yorubaland were prospectively studied. The majority were young, and the sexes were equally represented. Most patients came from within 50 km of the unit. Most were brought by their blood-relatives. Significant delay before presentation was observed in most cases. Previous treatment by religious and/or traditional healers was common. According to the DSM-III classification, the majority suffered from functional psychoses, most commonly schizophrenia. Three quarters received neuroleptic medication. The immediate clinical outcome was good in the majority of cases; however, within 6 months of presentation almost half defaulted from treatment. Variables which appeared to be related to delay in presentation, prior treatment by religious or traditional healers and defaulting are presented.