Stability of intellect and personality in schizophrenia

A group of 52 chronic schizophrenic patients (mean age 41) currently maintained on follow-up treatment at an outpatient clinic were re-evaluated 8.5 years after initial treatment at the Allan Memorial Institute. The instruments used were the Spitzer Mental Status Schedule (MSS), the verbal WAIS, Rorschach and several thinking disorder tests. A verbal IQ finding of 1.4 points of increase (n.s.) indicates that no intellectual deterioration has occurred as measured by the WAIS. The thinking disorder tests, however, reveal considerable deficit. The Rorschach shows no evidence of personality change although there is evidence of increasing personality impoverishment, as evident in a progressive flattening of affect, and an increasing withdrawal and isolation. These inferences are supported by case history data and by the MSS psychiatric rating scale.