Abstract   The objective of this study was to identify the conditions of life of patients with mental and behavioral disorders admitted to a specialized hospital in an inner city in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and their possible relationship with inequities and social exclusion. The information about the conditions of life was gathered through medical records and structured interviews with the patients. The data collected were compared with the recent literature on the subject. We conclude that the conditions of health, life and social vulnerability are associated with changes in family and social relationships, stigma, discrimination and prejudice, and barriers to the exercise of citizenship for these patients. Findings confirm the need for equity in this group's access to the exercise of human rights.