Prognostic variables at intake and long-term level of function in schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the relationship between symptoms and cognitive measures at intake and functional outcome 2-8 years later (average 3 years) in first-episode and previously treated schizophrenia patients.


METHODS
A composite cognitive score was assessed at intake to determine the influence of cognition on later functional outcome. At intake and follow-up, positive and negative symptoms were assessed with the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms and the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, and affective symptoms were assessed with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Level of function in seven domains (social function, occupational function, independent living, symptom severity, fullness of life, extent of psychiatric hospitalization, and overall level of function) at intake and follow-up was assessed with the Strauss-Carpenter Level of Function scale. The contributions of sex, education, and duration of illness to functional outcome were also examined.


RESULTS
The results indicated that symptoms at intake had distinct patterns of prognostic significance for functional outcome in previously treated patients, compared with first-episode patients. In addition, male and female patients differed in the degree to which initial symptoms were correlated with later function.


CONCLUSIONS
Initial level of function, symptoms, sex, education, and duration of illness are all important predictors for functional outcome in patients with schizophrenia.
Siegel
Steven J
SJ
Division of Neuropsychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. siegels@mail.med.upenn.edu
Irani
Farzin
F
Brensinger
Colleen M
CM
Kohler
Christian G
CG
Bilker
Warren B
WB
Ragland
J Daniel
JD
Kanes
Stephen J
SJ
Gur
Ruben C
RC
Gur
Raquel E
RE
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004522:Educational Status; D017050:Episode of Care; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D012917:Social Adjustment