[What needs following treatment have long-term schizophrenic patients? The problem of self- and external assessment...

Needs for help and support were examined in 153 schizophrenic patients who had been being hospitalized for more than 6 months. In an operationalized and systematic way, needs as viewed by patients and their therapists were assessed using the Berliner Bedürfnis Inventar. In general as well as regarding single domains of life therapists stated significantly more needs than the patients; the agreement between patients' and therapists' views was very low. Frequency of needs as expressed by the patients was correlated with self-rated complaints, but not with observer ratings of psychopathology. Needs were mostly met by medical and social institutions according to the patients' statements. Patients reported more often than their therapists that adequate help and support was not provided in some areas despite an existing need. Clinical and research implications of the findings are discussed.