Male admissions to the English Special Hospitals--1961-1965: a demographic survey.

The social, criminal and psychiatric backgrounds of 878 male patients admitted for the first time to the three English Special Hospitals during the years 1961-1965 are examined and the implications of differences between them for research discussed. It is noted that only 35 per cent of the admission group have been discharged within a four year period. The need for long term follow-up studies is stressed.