Predictors of full recovery in patients with early stage schizophrenia spectrum disorders

To promote recovery in psychosis, targeting modifiable factors related to recovery is critical. Using more strict definition of full recovery, we examined predictors for recovery in patients with early stage schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) followed up to 6.5 years. The target subjects were 375 patients with early stage SSD who had been over at least 1-year after registration and evaluated. The criteria for full recovery were having the score of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) 8-item ≤ 2 and adequate functional recovery for at least 1-year. We performed univariate Cox and stepwise Cox regression in both total and acute patients. In stepwise Cox regression, several independent predictors for recovery, i.e., negative symptoms of the PANSS, duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and non-professional job were identified in patients with early stage SSD. In acute patients, other factors such as professional job and subjective well-being under neuroleptics were more important. The present study identified independent predictors for recovery modifiable by various psychosocial intervention and early intervention services. Moreover, it highlights the need of providing different treatment strategies depending on clinical status.