Premorbid functioning versus duration of untreated psychosis in 1 year outcome in first-episode psychosis.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines 1year outcome in patients having first-episode non-affective psychosis, with emphasis on Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP) and premorbid functioning, in order to clarify how these factors interact.


METHODS
Forty-three consecutively admitted patients were all rated on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF), both upon hospitalization and at 1year follow-up. In addition, premorbid functioning, DUP, duration of hospitalization, and social functioning were rated.


RESULTS
Fifty-six per cent were in remission, 18% suffered multiple relapses and 26% were continuously psychotic at 1 year follow-up. Both poor premorbid functioning and long DUP are significantly correlated with more negative symptoms and poorer global functioning at follow-up. Long DUP is also significantly correlated with more positive symptoms. Even when we control for other factors, including premorbid functioning and gender, DUP is a strong predictor of outcome. To a limited degree premorbid functioning and DUP interact, but DUP has an independent influence on outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
these findings strengthen the rationale for establishing health service programs for early detection and treatment of first-onset psychosis
Larsen
T K
TK
Psychiatric Hospital of Rogaland, Armauer Hansensv. 20, Stavanger, Norway. tklarsen@online.no
Moe
L C
LC
Vibe-Hansen
L
L
Johannessen
J O
JO
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome