The natural histories of schizophrenic processes.
The natural history of schizophrenia cannot be studied directly, but nevertheless can be inferred and conceptualized as a frame of reference for examining the heterogeneity of the syndrome and for evaluating the impact of treatment, environment, and other factors influencing its course. Alternative diagnostic systems, including DSM-III, imply differing, largely unscrutinized concepts of the natural history and have generated skewed samples and noncomparable longitudinal data. The suggestion is made that sounder future research on the course of schizophrenia will focus upon component processes clustered, for example, in the enduring deficit syndrome.
Wynne
L C
LC
Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY 14642.
D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology