The prognostic significance of signs and symptoms taken individually
rather than in diagnostic clusters was investigated in 61 schizophrenic
patients seen at 5-year follow-up in the Washington Center of the
International Pilot Study of Schizophrenia. Best and worst outcome patients
(Ns = 20) were selected on the basis of total outcome score from a reliable
9-item schedule; 21 middle-outcome patients were excluded. Data from these
two groups were analyzed to determine which signs and symptoms assessed 5
years previously were associated with outcome. Only restricted affect
predicted poor outcome: depression, anxiety, and nuclear symptoms of
schizophrenia were not significant predictors. The findings are discussed
within the conceptual framework of productive and defect symptoms.Abstract Teaser