Characteristics of Patients Selected for Treatment on a Schizophrenia Research Unit

The patients admitted to the mesearch unit are representative of young adult chronic patients who ave schizophrenia but have not had episodes ofsevere violence. Onset of late adolescence, and their symptomatobogy is persistent. Despite repeated hospitalizations, the patients primarily reside in the community. The careful screening process enables the research ward to function by providing a patient population that is likely to cooperate with the treatment protocol and with whom a research and therapeutic alliance can be forged.

The selection process eliminates both assaultive and higher-functioning However, since most research units have similar selection criteria, the study are likely to be similar to those of patients who participate in research programs based in other inpatient settings.