Outcome of Schizophrenia in Lowand Middle-Income Countries

Abstract

The study of course and outcome of schizophrenia continues to remain one of the most fascinating aspects of schizophrenia research. This starts with the very issue of the definition of outcome. Outcome being a multidimensional construct consisting of several independent domains, the assessment of different variables is a daunting task. Moreover, as with any population-based longitudinal study, long-term outcome research is marred by attrition and cost. Traditionally, clinical symptoms and functioning have been the principal outcome indicators. Disability, family burden, and quality of life are other outcome measures considered important in recent times. The results of earlier multicountry studies of unequivocal better outcome in developing studies have been scrutinized now and questioned. With changing demographics and sociocultural milieu in these countries, reevaluation is needed, keeping in mind some issues like human rights violation, mortality, and comorbidity.