Community care and need for treatment of schizophrenic patients in Finland

In recent years, the use of hospital care in Finland has decreased, while out-patient care has expanded; a psychotherapeutic approach and rehabilitative measures have been widely adopted. For schizophrenic patients, these changes may also have improved outcome, which is better than 30 years ago. However, their need for treatment and care has not been reduced to the extent that was hoped; in line with the decrease in use of hospital services, the need for alternative services for the socially disabled has increased. There is an urgent need to develop crisis-intervention. Male schizophrenic patients require special attention from the community care system and possibly a new kind of service which would meet their needs better. The need for care, support and education of patients' families is also increasing.