Recovery in schizophrenia: related factors in a group of patients followed up for 5 years in a private practice

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine recovery rates and related factors in schizophrenia outpatients treated by the same physician in a private practice.

METHODS: Seventy patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder who followed up for 5 years were examined retrospectively. Psychopathological status was evaluated by means of standardized symptomatic remission criteria, and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity. Functionality of the patients was evaluated using the Global Assessment of Functioning. Recovery required remission of positive and negative symptoms and adequate social/ vocational functioning for at least 24 months.

RESULTS: In a 5-year period, 35.7% of the patients achieved recovery criteria. There were no demographic and clinical differences between patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Recovery was predicted by the onset of illness (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01–1.30, p = .044) and type of illness – schizoaffective disorder (OR 6.84, 95% CI 1.54–30.34, p = .011). More than half of the patients were taking intramuscular injection mostly depot antipsychotic drugs at any time of the treatment period.

CONCLUSIONS: These favourable findings might be interpreted as results of the treatment of the same physician, intramuscular injection applications, and regular or when needed meetings. Illness type of schizoaffective disorder and late onset of illness are predictive factors for recovery. Increased therapeutic alliance and treatment adherence might foster the recovery of schizophrenia.