A psychiatrist is evaluating a new patient diagnosed with schizophrenia and is considering factors that might predict a better long-term outcome. Which of the following factors is generally associated with a *better* prognosis in schizophrenia?

Explanation

Several factors are associated with a better prognosis in schizophrenia. These include acute onset of symptoms (as opposed to insidious), presence of clear precipitating factors, later age of onset, good premorbid functioning, prominent positive symptoms (which tend to respond better to medication than negative symptoms), female gender, and a supportive social network. Insidious onset, prominent negative symptoms, and male gender are generally associated with a poorer prognosis.