The aim of this study was to extend an earlier retrospective cohort study of schizophrenia via a 34-year prospective study, with an emphasis on describing the life-course of the illness.
    Subjects were 128 first-ever admissions for schizophrenia in 1963 to either of two mental hospital in Alberta, Canada. Follow-up continued until death or 1997. A symptom severity scale, with scores ranging from 0 (no symptoms) to 3 (hospitalized), was used to collect annual data on each subject. An "Undulation Index" was constructed to  reflect annual reversals in functioning.
    Results were similar for men and women. The life-course curves showed marked variability of symptom severity across subjects and over time. The average score over the entire period of follow-up for the cohort indicated 'moderate' symptoms, and the change in average score from beginning to end of follow-up demonstrated a slight worsening of symptoms. The measures of social functioning indicated that only about one quarter of the patients had a good to excellent outcome.
    The long-term course in schizophrenia varies in symptom severity, and for many patients, there is a poor overall outcome.