Multi-dimensional recording of long-term treatment of patients with schizophrenic disorders compared to patients with major depression measured with the ASSESS battery

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to validate the course and outcome of treatment in patients with schizophrenic disorders and to compare it with those of patients with depression using a multidimensional assessing approach measuring psychopathological, social and cognitive levels of functioning. METHODS: We recruited N = 86 chronically ill patients, n = 41 with schizophrenic disorders and n = 45 with depression and examined them by means of the ASSESS battery with 5 measuring points within one year. RESULTS: Psychopathological symptoms and cognitive functioning changed over time, but still remained. Furthermore, changes in functional ability in the psychosocial area were observed in the overall collective. The course of the patients with schizophrenic disorders differed especially from that of the patients with depression in relation to the domain personal relationships. In both groups, symptoms of the disease correlated negatively with cognition and psychosocial functioning. Cognitive deficits were associated with a reduced level of psychosocial functioning. DISCUSSION: The ASSESS battery proved to be a practicable measuring instrument for complex assessment of the course of the disease in patients with schizophrenic disorders as well as depression. The stable course of symptoms in both disorders as well as psychosocial differences would have to be further confirmed in long term studies to derive necessary treatment recommendations.