In a previous follow-up of recovered schizophrenic patients, it was
found that a positive, integrating attitude toward illness correlated with
good outcome. In similar research at NIH, the authors of this study
obtained partial replication of these findings. Specifically, the less
negative patients were about their illness and future, the better their
outcome. A very positive attitude was not associated with good outcome.
Hence, the absence of a negative attitude appears critical. The authors
failed to find a relationship between integration or isolation of the
psychotic experience and outcome, which suggests the incidence of this
(unconscious) psychological coping style from a conscious attitude and
opinion about illness and the future.
Abstract Teaser