Housing patterns among a schizophrenic patient population pre- and post-katrina.

BACKGROUND

Stable housing is the cornerstone of effective psychiatric treatment, especially treatment for the most vulnerable and marginalized patients-those with schizophrenia. Hurricane Katrina was a disaster of epic proportions that uprooted an entire region. Some residents were temporarily dislocated, whereas others faced more permanent moves.

METHODS

The purpose of this retrospective chart review was to examine the housing of schizophrenic patients treated at an area health system before and after Katrina. We sorted patients into 4 living arrangements: living alone, living with family, living in a supervised setting, and homeless.

RESULTS

We reviewed 300 charts, and 69 patients met the inclusion criteria. Contrary to our initial assumptions, this population showed a marked degree of stability and cohesion: Nearly 90% had no disruption in their living configuration after the storm. This finding may in part be because nearly 75% lived with family, in addition to specific characteristics of the health system.

CONCLUSION

We believe that the results demonstrate the resiliency of the region and its people.