A retrospective study of the functional outcome of schizophrenia depending on premorbid personality at the time of diagnosis

Background: Schizophrenia constitutes a serious public health problem all over the world. It is one of the leading causes of disability among young adults and prevents them from leading normal productive lives. Methods: We retrospectively studied new cases diagnosed to have schizophrenia (n=211) seen during the period, March 1999 - February 2001. Their premorbid personality traits, socio-demographic parameters were recorded from the case records. Psychopathology was assessed by using positive and negative symptom scale for schizophrenia (PANSS); functional outcome was assessed by using Global Assessment Scale (GAS). Results: Socio-demographic variables did not have influence on outcome. Among patients with well adjusted personality 50% showed good to fair outcome. Patients with schizoid premorbid personality had a fair outcome. Conclusions: Our observations suggest that premorbid personality has a definite impact on outcome of schizophrenia.