THE DEFICIT STATE IN FIRST-EPISODE SCHIZOPHRENIA

Objective: The prevalence, clinical correlates, and outcome of the def icit syndrome were determined for 70 patients ascertained in their fir st episode of schizophrenia and then followed through their recovery. Method: Patients were treated in a standardized manner and underwent b aseline assessments of symptoms and adverse effects that were repeated at intervals throughout their inpatient and subsequent outpatient cou rse. Forty-seven patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months afte r remission of their positive symptoms, allowing for an assessment of their deficit syndrome status. Results: Using modified criteria of Car penter et al. for the deficit syndrome, the authors found that two pat ients (4%) met all criteria for the deficit syndrome, nine (19%) had d eficit symptoms (questionable deficit state), and 36 (77%) had no defi cit symptoms. When patients who had not fully remitted or had remitted for less than 6 months were included, seven (10%) met deficit syndrom e criteria, 11 (16%) had deficit symptoms, and 52 (74%) had no deficit symptoms. Conclusions: The prevalence of the deficit syndrome in firs t-episode schizophrenia varies depending on the criteria used and is l ower than that previously described in more chronic patient samples. P atients without deficit symptoms had better premorbid functioning and a better global outcome than patients with deficit symptoms.