Predictive Validity of Proposed Remission Criteria in First-Episode Schizophrenic Patients Responding to Antipsychotics

The objective of this study was to examine the predictive validity of the remission criteria proposed by Andreasen et al in first-episode patients responding to antipsychotics. Antipsychotic responsive patients with first-episode schizophrenia showing symptom remission (n = 60) were compared with patients who did not fulfill the proposed criteria (n = 65). Outcome in terms of symptom severity, social functioning, and quality of life was assessed after 18 months. Patients in the remission group showed a significantly better outcome during follow-up on all Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale subscale scores (positive, negative, and general symptom subscales) and a significantly higher level of social functioning. Quality of life did not differ between groups. The proposed multidimensional criteria for symptomatic remission convey significant information when applied to first-episode patients who responded to antipsychotics, predicting outcome on the domains of both psychopathology and social functioning. The criteria represent a practicable benchmark with clinical relevance. Their implementation should be promoted in research settings, clinical practice, and routine outcome assessment procedures.