This study reports on the long-term course of 11 patients with childhood onset schizophrenia (COS). Patients were examined twice (mean follow-up period 38 years after onset). Various temporary premorbid behavioral peculiarities were precursors of COS. The nature of the diagnostic subtypes varied markedly across the course of the illness with continuous catatonic symptomatology predicting a poor outcome. (Contains extensive references.) (Author/DB)