Identity alterations and prognosis in schizophrenia.
Delusions of altered personal identity were studied over a four-year period in 53 young schizophrenic in-patients divided into 13 with persistent delusions, 16 with fleeting delusions and 24 with no delusions of identity alteration at first examination. The three groups were clinically otherwise comparable. Follow-up showed that those with persistent delusions of altered identity had a poor prognosis and deteriorating course.
D000328:Adult; D003702:Delusions / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012649:Self Concept