title: Does treatment delay predict occupational functioning in first-episode psychosis?
abstract: Although duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) predicts treatment outcome as assessed by symptoms in first-episode psychosis, there is much less evidence concerning its relation to social functioning. We present the results of a prospective study of 163 first-episode psychosis patients examining occupational activity at three years, after initiation of treatment. Both shorter DUP and higher social support were significantly associated with more full time occupational activity at follow-up. The findings suggest the importance of reducing treatment delay and increasing social support in order to improve occupational outcomes for those with first-episode psychosis.
authors.affiliation: University of Western Ontario and Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychoses, WMCH Building, 392 South Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 4G5. rnorman@uwo.ca
authors.forename: Ross M G
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Norman
authors.forename: Ashok K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Mallal
authors.forename: Rahul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Manchanda
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Windell
authors.forename: Raj
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Harricharan
authors.forename: Jatinder
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Takhar
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Northcott
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D013997:Time Factors; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents