title: The classification of first episode schizophrenia: a cluster-analytical approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper examines, using data from the Cantabria First Episode Schizophrenia Study, the usefulness of subdividing, using a cluster analysis technique, this schizophrenia population into subgroups with similar symptoms profiles in terms of SANS and SAPS.
  
  
  METHODS
  Diagnostic characteristics were determined using the Present State Examination (PSE-9) and the SANS/SAPS. Premorbid adjustment was assessed using a scale developed combining the Gittelman and Klein's Scales, and the Goldstein's scales. Social Adjustment was evaluated using the WHO-DAS. In addition clinical histories were used to assess the patients' clinical course.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our schizophrenic patients could be subtyped into four categories: negative, positive non-paranoid, simple and disorganized schizophrenia. There is an absence of significant association between the majority of the variables investigated and the four-cluster model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Even though our sample could be subtyped into different categories, the model does not show predictive power according to the 3-year follow-up data.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatric Hospital Padre Menni, Santander, Spain.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lastra
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Vázquez-Barquero
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Herrera Castanedo
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Cuesta
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Vázquez-Bourgon
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dunn
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D015986:Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment