Prevalence of remission and recovery in schizophrenia in the Czech Republic

Compr Psychiatry. 2013 Oct;54(7):1111-6. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.05.006. Epub 2013 Jun 27.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to map the point prevalence of remission and recovery in patients with schizophrenia in the Czech Republic.

Method: The point-symptomatic remission criteria were based on the definition of remission in schizophrenia according to Andreasen, without the time criterion. The definition of complete remission contained, in addition to the point-symptomatic remission criteria, a time aspect which was determined by the absence of psychiatric hospitalisation or a change in antipsychotic medications due to inefficiency in the preceding six months. Functional remission was defined by a total score on the PSP scale in the range between 71 and 100 points. Recovery was defined by the simultaneous fulfilment of the criteria for complete and functional remission.

Results: A total of 481 patients with schizophrenia were included in the study. The point-symptomatic remission criteria were fulfilled in a total of 258 patients (54%); complete remission occurred in a total of 214 patients (44%). Functional remission was reached by 124 patients (26%) in total. Recovery was proven in a total of 91 patients (19%).

Conclusion: The ascertained data are in accordance with the results of methodologically similar studies and confirm the known trajectories of the course of schizophrenia.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Czech Republic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Quality of Life
  • Recurrence
  • Remission Induction
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents