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Characteristics of Outcome in Schizophrenia at 13 Years

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Peter Mason*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Nottingham
Glynn Harrison
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Nottingham
Cristine Glazebrook
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Nottingham
Ian Medley
Affiliation:
Mandala Centre, Nottingham
Tim Dalkin
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Nottingham
Tim Croudace
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Nottingham
*
Dr Mason, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Nottingham NG7 2UH

Abstract

Background

This paper describes the 13-year outcome of an epidemiologically defined and representative cohort of patients selected when they were experiencing their first episode of schizophrenia.

Method

In a 13-year follow-up study of a cohort identified in Nottingham in 1978–80, the outcome (symptoms, disability, residence and treatment) was assessed using standardised instruments.

Results

Four of the original 67 patients with ICD–9 schizophrenia were lost to follow-up and five were dead: 52% were without psychotic symptoms in the last two years of follow-up, 52% were without negative symptoms and 55% showed good/fair social functioning. However, only 17% were alive at follow-up, without symptoms and disability, and receiving no treatment.

Conclusions

The findings reported are similar to those of other long-term follow-up studies of schizophrenia and also to 5-year follow-up studies. Kraepelin's emphasis on the longitudinal implications of a diagnosis of schizophrenia are supported, but may be over-pessimistic.

Type
Papers
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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