Institutionalisation and schizophrenia in Japan: Social environments and negative symptoms: Nationwide survey of in-patients

Abstract

Background: The number of psychiatric beds per capita in Japan is the highest in the world, and a replication of earlier British research is needed to identify possible means of improving the mental health system. Aims: To describe the current situation of psychiatric hospitals in Japan and to examine the relationship between negative symptoms of schizophrenia and social environments. Method: In-patients with schizophrenia were randomly selected from 139 hospitals. Data were obtained for 2758 participants using several scales, including the Manchester Scale and social environment scales. Results: Negative symptom scales showed a significant correlation with understimulating social environments in hospitals. Conclusions: This study confirms the results from the UK and provides evidence for the importance of community-based care and for providing more-stimulating rehabilitation environments. Declaration of interest: None. Funding detailed in Acknowledgements.