Schizophrenia--falling incidence and better outcome?
It has been suggested that schizophrenia is a disappearing disease. The evidence for this assertion is reviewed, and also for a parallel theory advanced in recent years that the disorder may be undergoing a benign metamorphosis in its course and outcome. It is concluded that the evidence is presently unconvincing given the methodological problems inherent in most follow-up studies; changes have taken place in clinicians' assumptions, in treatments, and in the quality of follow-up studies, rather than in the disorder itself. Nevertheless, possible time trends in the incidence and outcome of schizophrenia call for further scientific investigation.
Harrison
G
G
Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Nottingham.
Mason
P
P
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents