The authors examined factors related to relapse of psychiatric patients
within 1 year of placement in a foster home. They collected data on 210
male patients who had been hospitalized in VA medical centers who were
discharged to foster homes in five states. Slightly fewer schizophrenic
than nonschizophrenic patients relapsed, but age, length of
hospitalization, number of previous hospitalizations, marital status,
education, and income did not predict relapse. There was a suggestion that
relapsed schizophrenic patients may be characterized before hospital
discharge by hyperactivity, undermedication or drug noncompliance, and
fewer social skills.Abstract Teaser