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European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

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Open Access 01-02-2007 | ORIGINAL PAPER

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

Authors: Markus Jäger, Michael Riedel, Thomas Messer, Gerd Laux, Herbert Pfeiffer, Dieter Naber, Lutz G. Schmidt, Wolfgang Gaebel, Wolfgang Huff, Isabella Heuser, Kai-Uwe Kühn, Matthias R. Lemke, Eckart Rüther, Gerhard Buchkremer, Markus Gastpar, Ronald Bottlender, Anton Strauß, Hans-Jürgen Möller

Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience | Issue 1/2007

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.

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Title: Psychopathological characteristics and treatment response of first episode compared with multiple episode schizophrenic disorders
Authors: Markus Jäger
Michael Riedel
Thomas Messer
Gerd Laux
Herbert Pfeiffer
Dieter Naber
Lutz G. Schmidt
Wolfgang Gaebel
Wolfgang Huff
Isabella Heuser
Kai-Uwe Kühn
Matthias R. Lemke
Eckart Rüther
Gerhard Buchkremer
Markus Gastpar
Ronald Bottlender
Anton Strauß
Hans-Jürgen Möller
Publication date: 01-02-2007
Publisher: Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience / Issue 1/2007
Print ISSN: 0940-1334
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8491
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-006-0683-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusion

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