Temporal course of symptoms and social functioning in relapsing schizophrenics: a 6-year follow-up

Compr Psychiatry. 1988 Jul-Aug;29(4):361-71. doi: 10.1016/0010-440x(88)90017-x.

Abstract

As a part of the Copenhagen High Risk project, a 6 year follow-up of relapses after first hospitalisation of 67 schizophrenic women was performed. Four dimensions of psychopathology were examined: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, formal thought disorder and depressive symptoms. Each symptom group was its own best predictor over time. Only depressive symptoms diminished significantly at a relapse 6 years after first hospitalisation. Broadly defined subtyping of schizophrenia into paranoid and non-paranoid, retained stability over a 6 year period. It is concluded that there is a stability of psychopathology across onset episodes and relapses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales*
  • Recurrence
  • Schizophrenia / genetics
  • Schizophrenia / therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Social Adjustment*
  • Social Environment