Frequency of outpatient follow-up application in schizophrenia: community mental health center research

Objective: In this study, we aimed to identify factors that affect the frequency of application to community mental health center in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods: Sixty-four patients who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia by DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria and followed up at least 6 months by one of three community mental health centers depending on Bakirkoy Psychiatric and Neurological Diseases Training and Research Hospital were enrolled in our study. 41 patients were frequently callers, 23 patients were coming in rarely. Sociodemographic data form, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, Global Assessment Scale, Social Functioning Scale were completed by clinicians in face-to-face patient interviews.

Results: No significant difference was found in the socio-demographic characteristics between the two groups. The number of hospitalizations was significantly higher in the rare applicant group. In addition, the number of patients who have been refused treatment, have been treated at home and with depressive symptoms was significantly higher in the rare applicant group than in the other group. On the other hand, attending rates at the psychoeducation group meetings and social skills training were significantly higher in the frequent applicant group. Global assessment scale scores were significantly higher in frequently calling patients.

Conclusion: The frequency of visits to the community mental health center is an important determinant of the clinical outcome of patients. We found that the global functioning levels, depressive symptoms, number of hospitalizations, attending to the psychoeducation group meetings and social skills lessons are determinative for application rates.