Cantabria first-episode schizophrenia study: three-year follow-up

• Published in: British journal of psychiatry Vol. 174; p. 141
• Main Authors: Vázquez-Barquero, J L, Cuesta, M J, Herrera Castanedo, S, Lastra, I, Herrán, A, Dunn, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-02-1999
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Adult; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Health Status; Humans; Male; Prognosis; Schizophrenia - epidemiology; Schizophrenia - pathology; Schizophrenic Psychology; Sex Distribution; Spain - epidemiology; Spain
• ISSN: 0007-1250
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.174.2.141

We present the findings from the three-year follow-up of all first episodes of schizophrenia occurring during a two-year period in Cantabria (in Spain).
(a) To describe the clinical characteristics of the illness from the early stages of the disease, and (b) to study the long-term psychosocial adjustment and psychopathological evolution of these patients, identifying predictors for the course of the illness.
Of the original cohort of 86 patients, 76 (88.3%) were fully evaluated at three-year follow-up. Psychiatric assessment was performed (PSE-9 and SANS/SAPS). Social adjustment was evaluated using the Disability Assessment Schedule (DAS). Information regarding the clinical evolution and use of health resources was also gathered.
The majority of patients with a first-contact diagnosis of schizophrenia failed to meet the criteria for a CATEGO diagnosis at follow-up. The SANS/SAPS assessments revealed a doubling in the proportion of patients with 'negative schizophrenia'. The pattern of clinical course was also evaluated, with 24 (31.5%) of the patients having a good outcome. Being male and having low social class tended to be associated with poor clinical outcome
The outcome of schizophrenia is less pessimistic than was originally thought.