The predictability of relapses in schizophrenic patients.
The objective of this study was to identify clinically relevant predictors of short-term (2 years) outcome in schizophrenic patients and to gather these predictors into one simple prognosis model for the course of the disease. Ninety-nine schizophrenic outpatients classified according to DSM-III criteria were observed for 3 years with regard to their relapse (rehospitalization) frequency. Predictors of both a high and a low relapse risk permitting a prognostic assessment of the individual case were based on various sources: case history data, especially those relating to the previous course of the disease: social and therapeutic situation; psychopathological findings; emotional family atmosphere; and prognosis scales.
Buchkremer
G
G
Department of Psychiatry, University of Muenster, Federal Republic of Germany.
Stricker
K
K
Holle
R
R
Kuhs
H
H
D000328:Adult; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006791:Hostility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010359:Patient Readmission; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000235:genetics / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012931:Social Environment