Prediction of outcome in psychogeriatric patients.

A 1-year follow-up study was carried out of the 212 patients aged 65 and over admitted to Fulbourn Hospital in 1980. Outcome was uniformly poor for patients with dementia and better but more variable in those with functional illnesses. No social or demographic variables were significantly associated with outcome in the demented group but age, female sex, previous admission and independent accommodation prior to admission were significantly associated with good outcome in those with functional illnesses. A predictive index was constructed relating social variables on admission to 1-year outcome.