Nonregressive schizophrenia--a long-term comparative follow-up investigation.

A 14-17 year follow-up study of a first admission sample of nonregressive schizophrenic cases revealed a phenomenological and diagnostic consistency over time. Some improved and adapted well in society but a considerable proportion developed into chronic schizophrenic syndromes. Schizophrenic deterioration was also manifested among those who adhered to a nonregressive course without ever revealing frank psychotic decompensation. Treatment consumption and disability were high. Prognosis and outcome were, in the main, similar to a parallel series of regressive schizophrenic first-admission cases of similar sex and age composition. The sex difference noted in the intermediate-term outcome study in 1973, with a more favourable outcome among the women, was no longer present. The findings added further support to the validity of the concept of nonregressive schizophrenia and to the hypothesis of a joint nosology with classical schizophrenia.