Clinical and social correlates of duration of untreated psychosis in first-episode psychosis patients.
BACKGROUND
This study aims to examine the socio-demographic and clinical correlates of the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in first-episode psychosis patients in an Asian country.


METHODS
Three hundred thirty-four patients from the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP) of Singapore were recruited for the study. Socio-demographic data were collected and patients were diagnosed using SCID I (Structural Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders). Other assessment scales were used to assess the level of psychopathology, overall functioning and the awareness of mental illness.


RESULTS
Mean (SD) DUP was 16.3 (31.5) months. Patients who were single, unemployed, or brought by the police had a significantly longer DUP. Patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia had a longer DUP as compared to patients with other forms of psychosis. The better functioning patients as indicated by a higher Global Assessment of Functioning score and those who were more insightful had a shorter DUP.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that certain socio-demographic features and clinical diagnosis may determine DUP.
Pek
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Research Unit, Institute of Mental Health/Woodbridge Hospital, Singapore. Elaine_PEK@imh.com.sg
Mythily
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S
Chong
S A
SA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D017050:Episode of Care; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D012846:Singapore; D013997:Time Factors