Evaluating the importance of reducing the duration of untreated psychosis.
OBJECTIVE
The concept of duration of untreated psychosis or DUP has been a strong candidate for intervention as part of the early intervention paradigm. However, its importance has been questioned. This paper aims to present selected issues concerning attempts to reduce DUP and evaluate the impact of these attempts.


METHODS
Current research designs are critiqued and alternatives considered.


RESULTS
Evidence suggests that it is difficult to design studies that are both ethical and potent enough to determine the contribution of treatment delay to outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is justified but this should not obstruct common-sense service reforms.
McGorry
P D
PD
Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. mcgorry@ariel.unimelb.edu.au
D017281:Cost of Illness; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome