Unipolar and bipolar schizoaffective disorders: a comparative study. III. Long-term outcome.

Seventy-two schizoaffective patients were investigated longitudinally (mean follow-up period 25.6 years). Long-term outcome of unipolar (N = 37) and bipolar (N = 35) schizoaffectives was compared. Different aspects of outcome were investigated separately using standardized instruments of evaluation. No differences were found between unipolar and bipolar schizoaffective patients with regard to global functioning (GAS), disability (WHO/DAS) or psychopathological symptomatology at follow-up. There were also no differences in social consequences of the illness, i.e. downward occupational and downward social drift, premature retirement and achievement of the expected social development.