Outcome at discharge for clients in a psychiatric day care program.

The effectiveness of a psychiatric day care program was assessed in terms of the outcome at discharge for 79 clients. One-third of the clients were employed, either full-time or part-time (in case of students, at school), during the postprogram period of three months or more. Another one-third left the program prematurely with or without exacerbation of psychotic symptoms. Clients having premature termination were significantly less adherent to outpatient clinic visits and/or psychotropic medication. Family's understanding of and cooperation in the program were significantly less favorable in clients with early termination. The possible strategies for reducing the dropouts were discussed.