Physical Health of the Long-Term Mentally Ill in the Community

A clinical assessment was made of 145 long-term users of hospital and social-services day psychiatric facilities, and 84 consented to laboratory pathological screening. We recorded data on relevant medical care where that was being provided. Based on clinical assessment, 59 patients (41%) were judged to have medical problems potentially requiring care. Based on pathological screening 39 (44% of those assessed) had unmet needs, and this rating was associated with poor compliance with attendance and treatment plans. Altogether, 12 patients had important unmet needs, mainly for detailed medical investigation, although none required immediate hospital admission. Long-term patients should be medically reassessed and supervised at appropriate intervals.