Psychopathological characteristics and treatment response of first episode compared with multiple episode schizophrenic disorders

Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2007 Feb;257(1):47-53. doi: 10.1007/s00406-006-0683-1.

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to investigate the hypothesis that patients with first episode schizophrenic disorders have a more favorable treatment response than those with multiple episodes.

Method: A total of 400 inpatients from an ongoing multi-centre, follow-up program who fulfilled ICD-10 criteria for schizophrenic disorders (F2) were assessed at admission to and discharge from hospital using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results: At admission, first episode patients (n = 121) showed higher levels of positive symptoms (PANSS positive subscore) and lower ones of negative symptoms (PANSS negative subscore) than multiple episode patients (n = 279), whereas the global disease severity (PANSS total score) was comparable. Analyses of covariance revealed that treatment response (adjusted symptom levels at discharge) was more favorable in first-episode patients, with respect to both positive and negative symptoms.

Conclusion: The results are compatible with the hypothesis that treatment response becomes less favorable during the course of schizophrenic illness. This finding might be associated with progressive neurobiological alterations.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Length of Stay
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychopathology
  • Recurrence
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Schizophrenia / therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Social Behavior
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents