The importance of cross-sectional remission in schizophrenia for long-term outcome: a clinical prospective study.
BACKGROUND
This study examines the relationship between having achieved cross-sectional remission and the need for future psychiatric and nursing home care. The study is a prospective long-term follow-up of patients with schizophrenia.


METHODS
Cross-sectional remission was defined by applying the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) criteria requiring that none of the eight core positive and negative symptom items are scored greater than mild. Patients are followed-up by yearly clinical examinations and medical record review. Information on consumption of healthcare resources and residency status were also gathered. Visits to mental health professionals, number and duration of inpatient psychiatric or nursing home admissions were also recorded. The patients are enrolled in a 12 year prospective study, the Clinical Long-term Investigation of Psychosis in Sweden (the CLIPS study). This report covers the first seven years.


RESULTS
Those patients who achieved cross-sectional remission at baseline had a lower total consumption of healthcare services than those who were not in remission. The latter group displayed higher values for all measured variables.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results show that cross-sectional remission is likely to be an important goal to achieve in order to reduce future treatment needs. Patients in remission live a more independent life and have better preconditions for functioning in society.
Helldin
Lars
L
The NU Health Care, Department of Psychiatry, Trollhättan, Sweden.
Kane
John M
JM
Hjärthag
Fredrik
F
Norlander
Torsten
T
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003702:Delusions / Q000209:etiology; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012919:Social Behavior; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents