[Tasks of the psychiatric polyclinic]

Results of a random sample investigation at the psychiatric out-patient department of the University of Göttingen are reported: Data derived from 1479 consultations of 757 patients are given (age, sex, diagnosis, way of referral, advice for further treatment) and compared to those attending other in-patient and out-patient services and practitioners. We discuss the achievements of an out-patient department, also considering, however, that patients suffering from schizophrenia, alcoholism and psychogeriatric illness are only insufficiently taken care of, thus wanting further means of attendance to be offered.