Cantabria first-episode schizophrenia study: three-year follow-up.
BACKGROUND
We present the findings from the three-year follow-up of all first episodes of schizophrenia occurring during a two-year period in Cantabria (in Spain).


OBJECTIVE
(a) To describe the clinical characteristics of the illness from the early stages of the disease, and (b) to study the long-term psychosocial adjustment and psychopathological evolution of these patients, identifying predictors for the course of the illness.


METHODS
Of the original cohort of 86 patients, 76 (88.3%) were fully evaluated at three-year follow-up. Psychiatric assessment was performed (PSE-9 and SANS/SAPS). Social adjustment was evaluated using the Disability Assessment Schedule (DAS). Information regarding the clinical evolution and use of health resources was also gathered.


RESULTS
The majority of patients with a first-contact diagnosis of schizophrenia failed to meet the criteria for a CATEGO diagnosis at follow-up. The SANS/SAPS assessments revealed a doubling in the proportion of patients with 'negative schizophrenia'. The pattern of clinical course was also evaluated, with 24 (31.5%) of the patients having a good outcome. Being male and having low social class tended to be associated with poor clinical outcome


CONCLUSIONS
The outcome of schizophrenia is less pessimistic than was originally thought.
Vázquez-Barquero
J L
JL
Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain.
Cuesta
M J
MJ
Herrera Castanedo
S
S
Lastra
I
I
Herrán
A
A
Dunn
G
G
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology