International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience
Open Access

Abstract

Objectives: For a long time, schizophrenia was considered as a chronic mental disorder with a systematic bad outcome. Recently, this disorder has shown a better prognosis. New international classifications talk more and more about remission. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of schizophrenic outpatients who achieved and maintained remission. Various factors related to this course were assessed. Methods: All schizophrenic outpatients recruited were followed for at least five years, at the psychiatric department at the university hospital of Sousse. All schizophrenic outpatients who consulted the department from August 2005 to February 2006 were recruited. Sociodemographic, clinical, and management data of every participant were collected. The course type of the disorder was assessed using the criteria of the DSM-IV. Results: Of the 186 patients recruited, 30had a remission, but only 6 reached a total one. Relative to the other course forms, schizophrenic patients in remission were older (p=0.004) and more likely to be married (p=0.007). Remission was mainly related to an earlier diagnosis of schizophrenia (p=0.042), an earlier prescription of antipsychotics (p=0,015), and to a good medication compliance (p=0.01). Conclusion: The remission in schizophrenia remains possible. It is mainly related to an early diagnosis and prescription of antipsychotics and to good medication compliance.

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