This study, conducted by G. Harrison et al., aimed to describe long-term outcomes in 18 diverse treated incidence and prevalence cohorts of schizophrenia and to compare mortality, illness trajectory, and the predictive strength of baseline and short-term course variables. The study involved 1633 subjects from 14 treated incidence cohorts and four prevalence cohorts, with a follow-up period of 15 and 25 years. Key findings include: - About 75% of subjects were traced, and about 50% of surviving cases had favorable outcomes, but there was significant heterogeneity across geographic centers. - Early (2-year) course patterns were the strongest predictors of 15-year outcomes, but recovery varied by location: 16% of early unremitting cases achieved late-phase recovery. - Sociocultural conditions appear to modify long-term course, with early intervention programs focusing on both social and pharmacological treatments potentially leading to longer-term gains. - The study highlights the need for better understanding of the heterogeneous nature of recovery in schizophrenia across different domains of outcome, such as employment and social functioning. - The findings suggest that early intervention and intensive engagement strategies may have a favorable impact on the evolution of symptoms over the next 15-25 years, particularly for some patients. The study was funded by the Laureate Foundation, the World Health Organization, and participating centers.This study, conducted by G. Harrison et al., aimed to describe long-term outcomes in 18 diverse treated incidence and prevalence cohorts of schizophrenia and to compare mortality, illness trajectory, and the predictive strength of baseline and short-term course variables. The study involved 1633 subjects from 14 treated incidence cohorts and four prevalence cohorts, with a follow-up period of 15 and 25 years. Key findings include: - About 75% of subjects were traced, and about 50% of surviving cases had favorable outcomes, but there was significant heterogeneity across geographic centers. - Early (2-year) course patterns were the strongest predictors of 15-year outcomes, but recovery varied by location: 16% of early unremitting cases achieved late-phase recovery. - Sociocultural conditions appear to modify long-term course, with early intervention programs focusing on both social and pharmacological treatments potentially leading to longer-term gains. - The study highlights the need for better understanding of the heterogeneous nature of recovery in schizophrenia across different domains of outcome, such as employment and social functioning. - The findings suggest that early intervention and intensive engagement strategies may have a favorable impact on the evolution of symptoms over the next 15-25 years, particularly for some patients. The study was funded by the Laureate Foundation, the World Health Organization, and participating centers.