Objectives: To outline the limitations of traditional studies of outcome in schizophrenia and to review the findings arising from ‘first episode’ psychosis studies.
Method: An extensive literature search was performed and relevant papers were examined and analysed.
Results: Current knowledge regarding outcome predictors in schizophrenia has primarily been derived from a series of ‘consecutive admission’ and ‘long-term follow-back’ studies. However, methodological considerations may limit the generalisability of these studies' findings. The prospective evaluation of first episode cohorts has advanced our knowledge regarding the relative importance of premorbid and intercurrent factors in determining outcome in schizophrenia.
Conclusions: To date, the ‘first episode’ strategy has highlighted some potentially clinically modifiable outcome predictors. These findings may open the way for targeted introduction of measures aimed at preventing poor outcomes in schizophrenia.
