Long term course and outcome of the Agra cases in the International Pilot Study of Schizophrenia

Abstract

The course and outcome at a 13-14-year follow-up of the Agra cases in the International Pilot Study of Schizophrenia (IPSS) was observed by two methods: i) through a mailed questionnaire to assess the key respondents own perception of their state, ii) by a thorough clinical examination and assessment using standard instruments. The results of these two methods were compared and no significant difference found. Based on the second method it was found that 46% of schizophrenics and 43% of manic-depressives had one or two episodes during the first 5 years after inclusion and none in the subsequent period of 8 to 9 years (up to the present follow-up). The results indicate that the illness loses its intensity over a period of years. Mortality among schizophrenics was higher than the expected rate in a general population. The suicide rate was similar to that reported in other studies.