engleski

Catatonic schizophrenia: an update based on longterm follow- up

The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of the catatc type of schizophrenia and its occurrence in the population of Croatia, as \ as differences in comparison with the paranoid type of schizophrenia. In 1972, from the base population of 10569 schizophrenic patients corded at the Croatian Psychotics Case Register (CPCR), a representat sample of 402 patients (207 male and 195 female) were selected for furt longterm field-clinical-epidemiologic follow-up. The sample included (14.7%) patients diagnosed at least once in their life as catatonic schizophr ics (ICD). Every catatonic schizophrenic was matched to a paranoid schi phrenic from the sample, according to place of residence, sex and age. The great majority of ever-catatonic schizophrenic patients showed stable clinical picture and positive family history of psychosis, while paran schizophrenics showed a more stable clinical picture and also positive her ity. Catatonic schizophrenia was not evenly distributed in Croatia, i. e. it v more often found in the areas with a higher prevalence of schizophrenia a higher rate of family history of schizophrenia. Also, various differences socio- demographic, clinical and hospital characteristics were observed tween the two groups. Patients with schizophrenia of catatonic type wi younger at the age of onset and at initial hospitalization, and had shor prehospitalization interval. Although during the course of illness catato schizophrenics showed better compliance, they spent more time in hospi than paranoid patients. Catatonic episodes usually occurred early but f quently changed during the course of illness. This report presents data on t catatonic subtype instability during longterm follow up. Namely, during t course of illness, the majority of schizophrenic patients changed their types clinical picture and at the end of the follow-up the diagnosis of catatoi schizophrenia was made in only 11 (18.6%) cases. In conclusion, it is stressed that for the present the real causes of ca1 tonic schizophrenia are not known, and as differences among the groups wt also found in this study, it is considered that it is useful and necessary to i cord and examine schizophrenia on the basis of the types of clinical pictu and the course of the illness. This study is supporting the thesis that catatoi schizophrenia is a valid and separate diagnostic entity and is in part a familial disorder.

characteristics; catatonic schizophrenia

Indexed/Abstracted in: Neuroscience Citation Index ; EMBASE/Excerpta Medica