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Study of relapses in schizophrenia using the life table method.
R Thara1, K J Raman, T N Srinivasan
1Senior Research Officer, ICMR Project on Course and outcome of Schizophrenia, and Joint Secretary, Schizophrenia Research Foundation; Dept. of Psychiatry, Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, Madras.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry
|September 20, 2011
Summary
This study used life table techniques to analyze relapse patterns in schizophrenia patients. Findings indicate a significant decrease in non-relapse rates within the first three years of follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Medical Statistics
Background:
- Life tables are valuable for analyzing mortality, survival, and chronic illness progression.
- Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness often characterized by relapse cycles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply life table methodology to a cohort of schizophrenia patients.
- To estimate the probability and timing of relapse in schizophrenia.
- To assess long-term relapse patterns and survival rates.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of well-defined schizophrenia patients was followed long-term.
- Life table techniques were employed to analyze relapse occurrences.
- A second-degree parabola curve was used for survival rate projection.
Main Results:
- The percentage of non-relapsers dropped sharply from 85% at year one to 35% at year three.
- Projected survival rate at five years was estimated at only 2%.
Conclusions:
- Life table analysis reveals a high relapse rate in schizophrenia patients within the initial years.
- The projected 5-year survival rate suggests a need for further investigation and long-term management strategies.
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