Attitudes and Behaviors of Acute and Chronic Schizophrenic Patients Regarding Ambultory Treatment

Attiiudes toward and behavioral compliance with ambulatory treatment of acute and chronic schizophrenics of both sexes were examined. The results revealed a marked discrepancy between positive attitudes toward medication, outpatient care, and employment and noncompliance with these therapeutic interventions. In addition, an examination of the relationship between compliance with ambulatory treatment and the need for rehospitalization revealed that, at least for the chronic schizophrenic patient, such compliance leads to a diminished need for rehospitalization. The authors discuss these findings in terms of the different views of their illness which these patients may hold. Implications for psychiatric treatment of posthospitalized patients are also explored.