Impact of phase-specific treatment of first episode of psychosis on Wisconsin Quality of Life Index (client version).
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a phase-specific community-focused treatment program on different dimensions of self-reported quality of life in a representative sample of first episode psychosis patients.


METHODS
Data were collected on patients presenting with a first episode of psychosis on the Wisconsin Quality of Life Index (client version), positive and negative symptoms, and demographic and clinical variables at baseline following clinical stabilization and at 1 year.


RESULTS
Complete data on a representative sample of 41 patients showed a significant improvement in most dimensions of the WQOL at 1 year; these changes were generally independent of changes in symptoms and there were no significant differences in the magnitude of improvement in QOL between those with DUP < or >6 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with a first episode of predominantly schizophrenia spectrum psychosis show a highly significant improvement in subjectively assessed quality of life following a year of phase-specific comprehensive treatment.
Malla
A K
AK
Prevention and Early Intervention Psychosis Program, London Health Sciences Centre and University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
Norman
R M
RM
McLean
T S
TS
McIntosh
E
E
D000328:Adult; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires