Table : TABLE 12.6 • Factors Associated With a Better Prognosis for People With Schizophrenia
People with schizophrenia who significantly improve often have one or more of the following characteristics:
  • They functioned at a relatively high level before their first episode.
  • The symptoms had a sudden onset.
  • They developed symptoms later in life.
  • They have a family history of mood disorders, not schizophrenia.
  • They have symptoms of paranoia or the nondeficit subtype, with relatively good cognitive functioning.
  • They have fewer negative symptoms.
  • They are aware of their symptoms and recognize that the symptoms are caused by an illness.
  • They are women.
  • Sources: 1991; Fenton & McGlashan, 1994; Green, 2001.