Longitudinal studies of outcome and recovery in schizophrenia and early intervention: can they make a difference?

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Longitudinal studies of outcome and recovery in schizophrenia and early intervention: can they make a difference?
Authors:	Harrow, Martin, Jobe, Thomas H.
Source:	Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Dec2005, Vol. 50 Issue 14, p879-880. 2p.
Subjects:	Longitudinal method, Schizophrenia, Health outcome assessment, Research, Chronic diseases, Psychoses, Therapeutics, Mental health, Medical care, Drug therapy for schizophrenia, Schizophrenia treatment, Consumer cooperatives, Time, Social context, Treatment effectiveness, Disease remission, Mental health services administration
Abstract:	This article focuses on the importance of longitudinal studies of outcome and recovery in schizophrenia. According to the author, knowledge about a course and outcome are important for a better understanding of any disease. In regard to schizophrenia, it is particularly important, as some key concepts of this disease involve views about its course and outcome. The concept of this disease is linked to early views of a chronic disease and a decline in functioning, or at least very poor outcome. The author states that despite the earlier pessimistic views, recent longitudinal studies have produced evidence that some, or many, schizophrenia patients do experience periods or intervals of recovery. The longitudinal research program initiated by the author another research programs indicate that while many patients with schizophrenia have poor outcomes, a subgroup of these patients are able to experience intervals or periods of recovery, leave treatment, and leave the mental health system for a period of time. The researches further indicate that a combination of the following: initial treatment with anti-psychotics to reduce psychosis, other, even earlier factors, such as early interventions to diminish the probability of the emergence of more flagrant psychosis.
Database:	Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

Description
Abstract:	This article focuses on the importance of longitudinal studies of outcome and recovery in schizophrenia. According to the author, knowledge about a course and outcome are important for a better understanding of any disease. In regard to schizophrenia, it is particularly important, as some key concepts of this disease involve views about its course and outcome. The concept of this disease is linked to early views of a chronic disease and a decline in functioning, or at least very poor outcome. The author states that despite the earlier pessimistic views, recent longitudinal studies have produced evidence that some, or many, schizophrenia patients do experience periods or intervals of recovery. The longitudinal research program initiated by the author another research programs indicate that while many patients with schizophrenia have poor outcomes, a subgroup of these patients are able to experience intervals or periods of recovery, leave treatment, and leave the mental health system for a period of time. The researches further indicate that a combination of the following: initial treatment with anti-psychotics to reduce psychosis, other, even earlier factors, such as early interventions to diminish the probability of the emergence of more flagrant psychosis.
ISSN:	07067437
DOI:	10.1177/070674370505001401