Longitudinal study of remission among older adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorder

Although studies have found that as many as half of older community-dwelling adults with schizophrenia were in symptomatic remission, these findings had been based on cross-sectional data. This study examines longitudinal changes in symptom remission rates and predictors of remission.

The original sample consisted of 250 persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders aged 55 and over living in New York City who developed the disorder before age 45. Data on 104 follow-up interviews are presented. Mean follow-up was 54 months (range: 12-116 months); mean age was 61 years, 55% were male, and 55% were white. A modified version of the Remission in Schizophrenia Working Group criteria was used for determining remission status.

There was a nonsignificant decline in the percentage attaining remission (49% baseline, 40% follow-up); 25% were in remission at both assessments, 35% were not in remission at either assessment, 25% went from remission to nonremission, and 16% went from nonremission to remission. Four significant baseline predictors of remission were found at follow-up: higher community integration, greater number of entitlements, fewer psychotropic medications, and lower frequency of psychiatric services. Baseline remission status predicted having more total contacts at follow-up.

Older adulthood is not necessarily a quiescent period, and there is considerable fluctuation in remission status. Two social variables-community integration and entitlements-predicted remission on follow-up, thus suggesting social interventions may be especially useful strategies for this population.