Relapse in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review of Criteria for Clinical Studies and International Consensus Guidelines to Improve Them

There are limitations and heterogeneity in current definitions of relapse, which limit study comparisons, potentially bias meta-analyses, and question the validity of some studies. Adopting the consensus recommendations for a standardized approach should improve the validity and reliability of study outcomes, facilitate cross-study comparisons, and also standardize research into risk factors for relapse.