Change of diagnosis in schizophrenia and first-rank symptoms: An eight-year follow-up

Fifty-seven patients diagnosed as schizophrenic at the inception hospital admission, because they had Schneider's first-rank symptoms, were investigated 8 years for change of diagnosis. The average duration of their psychiatric contact after the admission was 5 years. During this period 88% still had a diagnosis of schizophrenia, but seven patients had been given other diagnoses. Change of diagnosis was significantly associated with “voices discussing” when it was the only first-rank symptom. The question of whether “voices discussing” should be included in the canon of Schneiderian first-rank symptoms is discussed.