Community psyciatry in Nigeria--the current status

Over a period of 50 months, 512 psychiatric patients were treated in the Aro Village therapeutic community. The majority of those admitted (94.1%) had symptoms of psychosis. By the end of three months 57.8% had been discharged, while 88.9% were discharged by the end of five months. Of these, 70.3% were judged fit to return to their work. The relatives of patients as well as the villagers were involved in the treatment programme. The advantages of this method, are discussed, as well as the implications for the future of the programme of the loosening of traditional family ties resulting from rapid urbanisation.