Childhood-onset schizophrenia: A follow-up study

This paper presents results from the UCLA Follow-Up Study of Childhood-Onse t Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders. Eighteen children with schizophrenia (S Z) were assessed 1 to 7 years following initial project intake. Results dem onstrated significant continuity between SZ spectrum disorders in childhood and adolescence. Although not all children who presented initially with SZ continued to meet criteria for SZ spectrum disorder as they progressed thr ough the follow-up period, rates of SZ spectrum disorders ranged from 78-89 % across the first three follow-up years. Rates of continuing SZ ranged fr om 67 % to 78 % across the three follow-up years and rates of schizoaffecti ve disorder ranged from 11 % to 13 % across the three followup years. Varia bility in levels of functioning were observed with 45 % of the sample showi ng deteriorating course or minimal improvement and 55 % of the sample showi ng moderate improvement or good outcomes. This variability in outcome is co mparable to that seen in adults with SZ, suggesting that with current treat ments childhood-onset does not ensure a more severe disorder.