Differential evaluation of outcome in schizophrenia

State of health, work and social relations functioning as outcome measures in 95 survivors out of 110 schizophrenic probands proved to be only moderately intercorrelated at follow-up 6-9 years after first hospital admission. Total sick-leave time was the only treatment measure mirroring combined outcome, while the hospital treatment variables were connected only to working and self-supporting ability. Among social competence data, only living in partnership, and producing children after falling ill were associated with a favourable outcome. Self-reports and simple judgements by near relatives in response to precise questions provided reliable information. Attitude questions were completely unrelated to outcome. Outcome did not vary with type of initial symptomatology (regressive/non-regressive) but long duration of regression meant an unfavourable outcome. A better outcome in women as to social competence, working ability and degree of psychopathology stresses the necessity of noting the sex composition of materials in prognostic investigations.