Validity of the negative/positive dichotomy of schizophrenic disorders under long-term conditions

Based on the phenomenological distinction of positive and negative symptoms, some authors discuss the existence of two subtypes of schizophrenia (positive vs. negative schizophrenia). Investigating the long-term course of 100 schizophrenic patients (on average 23 years after onset) it was found that only 24% of the patients had a stable monomorphous course (only once type of episode). The results of the presented longitudinal study do not support the assumption of 'purely positive' or 'purely negative' schizophrenic disorders. The relevance of positive and negative onset of illness for the long-term course and outcome is discussed with reference to the literature.