Living conditions of people with psychotic disorders living in slums in Santos, Southeastern Brazil.

Objective: To describe the living conditions and sociability among people with severe mental disorders living in slums.

Methodological Procedures: A qualitative study was carried out among adults living in slums in the central region of Santos, Southeastern Brazil, conducted in 2004-2006. Ethnographic observations were made in four slum properties, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight women who were living with individuals with psychotic disorders.