The ESSEN study of childhood-onset schizophrenia: selected results

Presents results of a 42 year long-term follow-up of 44 patients (19 males, 25 females) with childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS, age at onset: 7-14 years) who could be traced for a second follow-up examination 27 years after the first follow-up. Data from interviews, clinical records, premorbid and social disability assessments were evaluated for statistical analyses. The symptomatology observed during the whole course of illness was re-diagnosed by DSM-IV criteria. Results suggest that COS, as a rare but severe variant of schizophrenia, frequently develops from premorbid social maladaptation to an insidious onset but is subsequently followed by a transition to a course and outcome indistinguishable from that of adult-onset schizophrenia. (Original abstract - amended)