Abstract: Studied schizophrenia (SCZ) and related disorders in 10 countries (Colombia, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, India, Ireland, Japan, Nigeria, the USSR, the UK, and the US), based on an initial and 1- and 2-yr follow-up examinations of 1,379 patients (aged 15–54 yrs). Early behavioral manifestations of psychotic illness were similar across the geographical centers. 82% of the cases were assigned to CATEGO classes S, P, or O; 56% had CATEGO class S+ ("nuclear SCZ"). Present State Examination profiles were similar in the developed and developing countries. In all study areas, the age- and sex-specific curves of the incidence of SCZ followed a similar pattern. On 5 of 6 outcome dimensions, Ss in developing countries had a better prognosis than Ss in developed countries. Type of onset and setting (developing or developed country) were the most important predictors of 2-yr course and outcome. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
