ABSTRACT
The median period of hospitalization for an acute schizophrenic episode should be twenty-one to twenty-three days. In general, one should not even offer a handshake in that the acutely disturbed schizophrenic patient may perceive this as a hostile act or sexual advance. Establishing a warm, trusting relationship between the psychiatrist and the acutely ill schizophrenic patient is essential. The patient is often introduced to an empathetic patient who is adjusting reasonably well. Too much closeness is frightening to the schizophrenic patient. Initially when a patient is admitted he is placed on a unit status, which means that he moves about the hospital with his therapeutic community. The psychiatric service is supervised by service director who takes responsibility for the milieu and for the operation of therapeutic communities. Electroshock therapy no longer plays a significant role in the treatment of the acute schizophrenic episode. The fear on the part of parents and siblings that the disease is hereditary is discussed here.
