[Wishes and expectations of psychiatric patients in ambulatory after care--and recommendations of their physicians].

156 patients from two psychiatric hospitals were asked about their expectations and wishes regarding their further medical care and treatment immediately prior to their discharge. Answers were analyzed according to age, sex and diagnoses. This is contrasted by the suggestions of the medical staff, which seems to be influenced mainly by the diagnosis. Overall there is a high correlation between the suggestions of the doctors and the wishes of the patients. By comparing the answers for each individual case, however, it is shown that only about one half of the patients can accept the advice of their doctors. Major differences and difficulties are noticed specifically for schizophrenics, patients with psychoreactive crises and after attempted suicide. For the future it is desirable that, on one hand, the needs of the individual patient are investigated and considered more thoroughly by the attending doctor and, on the other hand, the medical suggestions are made clearer to the patient.