Schizophrenia coping strategies examined

SOUTHAMPTON University researchers are studying how patients with schizophrenia and their families have coped over a 15-year period. Half of schizophrenia patients live in the community, but according to Steve Brown, of Southampton's psychiatry department, remarkably little is known about their long-term mental and physical health once they leave hospital.

The researchers have found 179 patients living in the community who had contact with hospital schizophrenia services 15 years ago. They are looking at how lifestyle factors, such as diet, may affect patients' long-term health, as well as how mental illness services meet the needs of these patients today.