title: Pattern of lifetime Axis I morbidity among a treated sample of first-episode psychosis patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  While the problem of significant comorbidity in first-episode psychosis (FEP) is well known, little is known about the pattern of onset of disorder prior to and during FEP. The current study examined Axis I psychiatric comorbidity in 62 people being treated for FEP.
  
  
  METHODS
  Morbidity in the years prior to the diagnosis of psychosis was assessed retrospectively, while comorbidities during the 15 months after psychosis diagnosis were investigated prospectively via structured clinical interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prevalence of morbidity was high, with 84% of patients having an Axis I psychiatric disorder during at least one phase (i.e. either prior to, during or following the FEP). Sixty-nine percent had one or more psychiatric diagnoses in their lifetime prior to admission for FEP and 47% had one or more comorbid disorder concurrently with FEP. Substance use disorders were most prevalent prior to admission and at 15-month follow-up, while mood disorders were most prevalent during acute psychosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study shows the large amount of Axis I comorbidity in young people with FEP. Issues for treatment of comorbidities are discussed.
authors.affiliation: ORYGEN Research Centre, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. sbendall@unimelb.edu.au
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bendall
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Allott
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Henry J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: Eoin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Killackey
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Harrigan
authors.forename: Patrick D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: McGorry
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010507:Periodicity; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents