Nithsdale Schizophrenia Surveys 17 - Fifteen year review

Background In recent years there has been a shift to 'community care' and the introduction of several 'atypical' antipsychotic drugs,We report the impact of these changes. Method In Nithsdale, Dumfries and Galloways Scotland, the population of patients with schizophrenia was identified in 1996. This census replicated a study carried out in 1981. The population with schizophrenia were compared on clinical and social variables. The whereabouts in 1996 of the 1981 population was determined. Results In comparison with the 1981 population, more patients in 1996 had positive, negative and non-schizophrenic symptoms. More showed tardive dyskinesia. Social adjustment had not changed. They had spent less time in hospital; fewer (13%)were living with their parents; and fewer (8%) were employed. By 1996, 35% of the 1981 cohort had died (standardised mortality rate male - 154, female - 162). Conclusions The mental health of a community of people with schizophrenia living in a rural area in 1996 was poorer than in 1981.