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Understanding outcome in schizophrenia is important for choosing among the competing concepts of this disorder and for evaluation of treatment methods. Nevertheless, there is much disagreement and confusion about the nature of outcome in schizophrenia. This report describes features of diagnosis and outcome that contribute to this confusion and suggests a framework of key diagnostic and outcome criteria to provide a basis for reporting, interpreting and comparing the findings of outcome studies. Analysis of data from several of the more comprehensive studies using this framework demonstrates key characteristics of outcome in schizophrenia. (Author)