Outcome of schizophrenia in a nonindustrialized society: comparative studybetween Bali and Tokyo

Objective: The aim of the present study was to contrast the outcome of schi zophrenic patients between Ball and Tokyo, the former being a nonindustrial ized society and the latter an industrialized society in Asia. Method: A total of 51 Balinese schizophrenics and 40 schizophrenics in Toky o were evaluated by five outcome measures at a 5-year follow-up. Results: No significant difference was found in the mean scores of the Posi tive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Eguma's Social Adjustment Scale and the r e-admission rates between the subjects in the two sites. The cumulative len gth of stay in hospital during the 5-year period was significantly shorter in Ball. The percentage of subjects on psychiatric medication at the follow -up was significantly lower in Pall than that in Tokyo. Conclusion: Although the clinical outcome of schizophrenics in Pall was not superior to that in Tokyo, the subjects in Ball tended to be able to live in society without neuroleptic medication.