Abstract
Predictors of outcome were identified 163 patients with DSM-III schizophrenia divided into three cohorts by length of follow-up interval; 0-9 years (N =57), 10-19 (N = 59), and 20 years or more (N = 47). The most powerful variables predicting outcome differed between follow-up intervals. Characteristics of premorbid functioning were most influential in the first decade of follow-up, family functioning emerged as important in the second decade, and family genetics influenced the third decade and beyond. Signs and symptoms proved predictive in consistent ways for midrange and longer-term outcomes. The results demonstrate significant variability in both the type and strength of relevant predictors depending on follow-up length.

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