Prevalence of long-term mental health care utilization in The Netherlands

The objective of this study is to estimate the proportion of the population in The Netherlands who receive long-term care for chronic psychiatric problems. The care needs of this population are assessed in terms both of diagnosis and of specific impairments and disabilities. Data from three surveys and two psychiatric case registers in five different areas of The Netherlands provide an estimate of about 3.5 long-term users of psychiatric care per 1000 members of the population aged 20 years or over. One-third of them receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. Patients most frequently suffer from impairments of mood and affect, volition and drives. Nearly all patients are disabled in their occupational role (work), and about half of the population have problems with self-care and household tasks. Long-term care is to a large extent (40%) provided in hospitals and sheltered accommodation, and the role of day services is relatively insignificant.