Pattern of lifetime Axis I morbidity among a treated sample of first-episode psychosis patients.
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.
Bendall
Sarah
S
ORYGEN Research Centre, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. sbendall@unimelb.edu.au
Allott
Kelly
K
Johnson
Tracy
T
Jackson
Henry J
HJ
Killackey
Eoin
E
Harrigan
Susan
S
McGorry
Patrick D
PD
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
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents