Remission in schizophrenia: results from a 1-year follow-up observational study.
OBJECTIVE
This study used the Remission in Schizophrenia Working Group operational-severity criteria to, a) provide descriptive data on prevalence and stability of symptomatic remission, b) attempt a criterion (concurrent) validation of this measure of remission, and c) explore correlates of remission stability.


METHODS
From an unselected sample of 1010 stable outpatients with schizophrenia (DSM-IV-TR), a subgroup of 452 (44.8%) in symptomatic remission was followed for 1 year. Of these, 376 were re-evaluated in a research diagnostic assessment. In addition to relevant sociodemographic and clinical data, measures included symptoms, depression, functioning, social cognition, attitudes towards medication, and quality of life. Estimates of point prevalence are provided. Correlates of remission were identified by logistic regression.


RESULTS
Symptomatic remission at baseline correlated with better premorbid adjustment, better social cognition, good treatment compliance, younger age, the absence of comorbid substance abuse, current or past participation in psychotherapy, and a lack of past participation in rehabilitation. After 1 year, 338 out of the 376 (89.9%) patients re-evaluated were found again in remission. In this assessment, better premorbid adjustment, good treatment compliance, and improvement of depressive symptoms and social cognition during follow-up again correlated with remission.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that symptomatic remission (as defined above) has considerable criterion validity and is a realistic goal in the treatment of schizophrenia. Attaining and sustaining remission may warrant better clinical and functional outcomes for patients.
Ciudad
Antonio
A
Department of Research and Development, Lilly, S.A. Avenida de la Industria, 30. E-28108 Alcobendas, Spain. ciudad_antonio@lilly.com
Alvarez
Enric
E
Bobes
Julio
J
San
Luis
L
Polavieja
Pepa
P
Gilaberte
Inmaculada
I
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019370:Observation / Q000379:methods*; D010045:Outpatients; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life; D012008:Recurrence; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013030:Spain