Ten fully recovered schizophrenics (Group A) were compared to 10 chronic schizophrenic patients (Group B) on several variables concerning premorbid adjustment, family interaction, hospitalization, and treatment. Patients in Group A were clearly, but not statistically significantly better than patients in Group B on premorbid adjustment. Likewise, a clear tendency toward an earlier onset of the illness in Group B patients was found. There were also differences between the 2 groups on some family interaction variables, firstly with regard to leadership in the farnily and parent capability for empathy and ability to give love and care. The most important differences were found, however, with respect to treatment. Almost all patients in Group A had been in psychotherapy, while this was only the case for 2 patients in Group B. Patients in Group A attached great importance to the psychotherapeutic treatment, and some also to their religious belief and/or the psychological support from their spouse, in explaining why they had been cured from the illness.
