Course and outcome of hepatitis C

Abstract

State-of-the-art knowledge on the course and outcome of schizophrenia is reviewed from an epidemiological point of view. A systematic overview of the methodological prerequisites for longitudinal studies is followed by a discussion of current results on the stages of schizophrenia, ranging from risk factors, early prognostic indicators, prepsychotic prodromal stage to short-, medium-, and long-term course, including intrinsic and environmental modifying factors. The age- and gender-related course of schizophrenia and its symptom dimensions, as well as the predictors of functional, cognitive, and social outcome, are described. Concerning factors precipitating the onset of psychosis and indicating a poor social and symptom-related prognosis, the role of substance abuse is analyzed. The risk of suicide in the course of schizophrenia is also highlighted.