Key clinical point: Symptom remission is not necessary for functional remission and improved quality of life in first-episode schizophrenia patients.

Major finding: Twenty-nine percent of first-episode schizophrenia patients met criteria for full recovery (defined as improved symptoms, function, and quality of life) after 24 months of treatment with a long-acting antipsychotic, although 70% achieved symptom remission and more than half met criteria for function remission and improved quality of life.

Study details: The data come from 98 adults with first-episode schizophrenia.

Disclosures: The study was supported by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development grant, through the Department of Science and Technology of South Africa; the Medical Research Council of South Africa “SHARED ROOTS” Flagship Project; and Lundbeck International. Lead author Lebogang Phahladira, MD, was supported in part by the research council and had no financial conflicts to disclose.