Characteristics of Young Adults With Schizophrenic Disorders Treated in the Community
Mary Ann Test Ph.D.1,
William H. Knoedler M.D.2,
Deborah J. Allness M.S.S.W.2, and
Suzanne Senn Burke B.A.3
1 The School of Social Work, 425 Henry Mall, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706
2 The Program of Assertive Community Treatment of the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison.
3 The Mendota Mental Health Institute
The authors describe the characteristics of 100 young adults with schizophrenia or schizophreniarelated disorders who are being treated in the community, patients who are at high risk for serious, long-term impairment but have not necessarily developed such impairment yet. In contrast to subjects in some other studies of young adult chronic patients, the patients show great variability in previous levels of functioning, such as employment history, ability to live independently, and drug use. The authors hypothesize that highly individualized assessment and comprehensive treatment provided early in the course of illness can prevent or limit chronic functional disability for many patients; they provide recommendations for such treatment.
Note:
The authors thank Don Mowry for assistance in coding and analyzing the data.
