title: Predictive validity of proposed remission criteria in first-episode schizophrenic patients responding to antipsychotics.
abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the predictive validity of the remission criteria proposed by Andreasen et al in first-episode patients responding to antipsychotics. Antipsychotic responsive patients with first-episode schizophrenia showing symptom remission (n = 60) were compared with patients who did not fulfill the proposed criteria (n = 65). Outcome in terms of symptom severity, social functioning, and quality of life was assessed after 18 months. Patients in the remission group showed a significantly better outcome during follow-up on all Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale subscale scores (positive, negative, and general symptom subscales) and a significantly higher level of social functioning. Quality of life did not differ between groups. The proposed multidimensional criteria for symptomatic remission convey significant information when applied to first-episode patients who responded to antipsychotics, predicting outcome on the domains of both psychopathology and social functioning. The criteria represent a practicable benchmark with clinical relevance. Their implementation should be promoted in research settings, clinical practice, and routine outcome assessment procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 30.001, 9700 R B Groningen, The Netherlands. a.wunderink@med.umcg.nl
authors.forename: Lex
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wunderink
authors.forename: Fokko J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Nienhuis
authors.forename: Sjoerd
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sytema
authors.forename: Durk
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wiersma
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents