Identification of the schizophrenia prodrome in a hospital-based patient population

The identification of the schizophrenia prodrome remains a clinical challenge. We analyzed the clinical course of the prodromal symptoms of 24 patients with first-time diagnosis of schizophrenia over a two year period. Their progress was tracked over three years. Patients in the study group reported to mental health care providers years before the schizophrenia diagnosis with subtle, but consistent, alterations in perception and behavior. Furthermore, they received an axis I diagnosis and were prescribed medications, which suggest that they constitute a distinct clinical population.