The significance of stupor in the long-term outcome of chronic schizophrenia.

The admission records of 271 long-stay chronic schizophrenic patients, resident in a large psychiatric hospital, were examined in order to identify those who had presented in stupor at the onset of their illness. Twelve patients were found (ten men and two women). When compared, in terms of current mental state and behaviour, with a similar sample of schizophrenics in whom stupor had been absent, significant differences between the two groups were detected, with those presenting in stupor demonstrating a less favourable outcome.