A longitudinal study of psychosis due to a general medical (neurological) condition: establishing predictive and construct validity.
A sample of 44 patients with a neurological disorder and a DSM-IV diagnosis of Psychosis due to a General Medical Condition were followed on average for 4 years and their response to treatment and clinical course noted. Outcome was more benign than in schizophrenia, with most patients having a brief duration of psychosis and good response to small doses of neuroleptics. One-fourth of patients suffered a single, brief psychotic episode with return to full premorbid function. None required maintenance neuroleptic treatment. The outcome and descriptive profile of the disorder also differed from late-onset schizophrenia. Thus, Psychosis due to a General Medical (Neurological) Condition does appear to have predictive validity. However, no temporal association was found between the neurological illness and psychosis. Possible reasons for this are discussed.
Feinstein
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A
Wellesley Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Ron
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M
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D016896:Treatment Outcome