The aim of the epidemiological psychiatric survey carried out among the users of the Mental Hygiene Centre of Avezzano local health district was to study the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of participants. Data for patients for the years 1979 and 1989 were collected and analysed by studying all clinical records registered during those periods. This choice reflected the need compare user characteristics and methods of using the service following the introduction of the reform decree no. 180/1978. The aim of this retrospective epidemiological survey was to obtain data and information which would serve to formulate answers which responded to the needs expressed by users. The results revealed a heterogenous territorial distribution of psychiatric cases and this provided some indication for the realisation of a complex network of psychiatric network in the Avezzano health district.