Social burden of positive and negative schizophrenia.

Sixty patients diagnosed as 'positive' or 'negative' schizophrenics were studied to evaluate social burden experienced by a key relative. The study had a prospective design and the patients were followed for a period of six months. At the time of initial assessments, in the 'positive schizophrenia' group, no significant correlation between ratings on psychopathology and social burden was observed, although at the end of the period of follow-up significant reductions in ratings on psychopathology and social burden as well as significant correlation between severity of psychopathology and burden of care were noted. In the 'negative schizophrenia' group, the severity of psychopathology and social burden were significantly correlated, but at the end of six months no significant change either in severity of psychopathology or social burden emerged.