[Problem of progression in schizophrenia. I. Problem of progression of attack-like forms]

A total of 552 patients with attack-like schizophrenia, who attained old age were examined clinically. It was established that the development of negative changes in such patients occurs predominantly during the first half of life. Subsequently not all patients demonstrate a progressive development of the disease and even if it does occur it is seen in the form of more frequent or longer attacks and a complication of psychopathological disorders. At the same time there is a certain correlation between the clinical picture of the attacks and the severity of deficitary changes. A reverse development of some personality changes in long-term remissions in old age are described.