Duration of untreated psychosis and the long-term course of schizophrenia.
This study examines the relationship between duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and long-term symptomatic and social outcome in 205 patients with schizophrenia, whose parents are member of a consumer organisation. We found only a tendency that longer DUP was related to negative symptoms, but no relation to other outcome domains. The results of this study do not support antipsychotic intervention at the earliest sign of psychosis in order to 'protect the brain'.
de Haan
L
L
Adolescent Clinic, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
van Der Gaag
M
M
Wolthaus
J
J
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D013997:Time Factors
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents