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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 Galloway, 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.
Kelly et al. (Mon,) studied this question.