Long-term depot maintenance of chronic schizophrenic out-patients: the seven year follow-up of the Medical Research Council fluphenazine/placebo trial. III. Relapse postponement or relapse prevention? The implications for long-term outcome

Abstract

The relapse and admission histories revealed a positive correlation between number of schizophrenic episodes and time on maintenance medication, probably reflecting severity of illness. Relapse rates after drug discontinuation rose to 45% within 13 months. There were no differences of predictive value between those relapsing on or off medication. The relationship between relapse rates, drug treatment, and social outcome is complex; antipsychotic drugs may postpone relapse, and frequent relapses might inhibit improvement in social performance long after florid symptoms have been controlled by medication.