A GROUP METHOD FOR THE RAPID SCREENING OF CHRONIC PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS

The problem of the classification and treatment of the chronic psychiatric patient constitutes a critical situation in all large neuropsychiatric hospitals. A group method for the rapid screening of such patients is presented. This scale is statistically reliable and valid. Neuropsychiatric hospitals could well employ this technique in a periodic evaluation of their patients toward a more effective treatment and management program in view of the changes that can occur spontaneously or as a result of treatment in these patients; and as a demonstration of a constant state of flux, rather than stagnation, that can exist in a chronic psychiatric hospital population. The advantage of the group rating over an individual method is that it permits more rapid evaluation of a greater number of patients. The group method also permits the evaluation of social and interpersonal adjustment, which if present may be utilized as a vital remaining fundamental asset of the chronic psychiatric patient. This scale may also be of prognostic value since it may be used as an effective tool in the planning and evaluation of adjunctive therapies. It is economical to use since it can be conducted by nonmedical personnel, such as psychologists of dynamic orientation. The results of this pilot study have been so encouraging that additional ones are planned about many aspects of the chronic psychotic patient.