BACKGROUND: Past research on the relationship between treatment delay and outcomes for first-episode psychosis has primarily focused on the role of duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in predicting symptomatic outcomes up to 2 years. In the current study we examine the influence of both DUP and duration of untreated illness (DUI) on symptoms and functioning at 5 years follow-up while controlling for other early characteristics. METHOD: A total of 132 patients with first-episode psychosis and treated in an early intervention program were prospectively followed up for 5 years. Outcomes assessed included positive and negative symptoms, overall functioning, weeks on disability pension and weeks of full-time competitive employment. RESULTS: While DUP showed a significant correlation with level of positive symptoms at follow-up, this was not independent of pre-morbid social adjustment. DUI emerged as a more robust independent predictor of negative symptoms, social and occupational functioning and use of a disability pension. CONCLUSIONS: Delay between onset of non-specific symptoms and treatment may be a more important influence on long-term functioning for first-episode patients than DUP. This suggests the possible value of treating such signs and symptoms as early as possible regardless of the effectiveness of such interventions in reducing likelihood or severity of psychotic symptoms.
BACKGROUND: Past research on the relationship between treatment delay and outcomes for first-episode psychosis has primarily focused on the role of duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in predicting symptomatic outcomes up to 2 years. In the current study we examine the influence of both DUP and duration of untreated illness (DUI) on symptoms and functioning at 5 years follow-up while controlling for other early characteristics. METHOD: A total of 132 patients with first-episode psychosis and treated in an early intervention program were prospectively followed up for 5 years. Outcomes assessed included positive and negative symptoms, overall functioning, weeks on disability pension and weeks of full-time competitive employment. RESULTS: While DUP showed a significant correlation with level of positive symptoms at follow-up, this was not independent of pre-morbid social adjustment. DUI emerged as a more robust independent predictor of negative symptoms, social and occupational functioning and use of a disability pension. CONCLUSIONS: Delay between onset of non-specific symptoms and treatment may be a more important influence on long-term functioning for first-episode patients than DUP. This suggests the possible value of treating such signs and symptoms as early as possible regardless of the effectiveness of such interventions in reducing likelihood or severity of psychotic symptoms.
Authors: Christy L M Hui; Jennifer Y M Tang; Gloria H Y Wong; W C Chang; Sherry K W Chan; Edwin H M Lee; Eric Y H Chen Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2013-04-26 Impact factor: 4.328
Authors: Sibel Algon; James Yi; Monica E Calkins; Christian Kohler; Karin E Borgmann-Winter Journal: Curr Psychiatry Rep Date: 2012-04 Impact factor: 5.285
Authors: C Morgan; J Lappin; M Heslin; K Donoghue; B Lomas; U Reininghaus; A Onyejiaka; T Croudace; P B Jones; R M Murray; P Fearon; G A Doody; P Dazzan Journal: Psychol Med Date: 2014-02-26 Impact factor: 7.723
Authors: Olesya Ajnakina; John Lally; Marta Di Forti; Anna Kolliakou; Poonam Gardner-Sood; Javier Lopez-Morinigo; Paola Dazzan; Carmine M Pariante; Valeria Mondelli; James MacCabe; Anthony S David; Fiona Gaughran; Robin M Murray; Evangelos Vassos Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2017-07-05 Impact factor: 4.328
Authors: Donal O'Keeffe; Ailish Hannigan; Roisin Doyle; Anthony Kinsella; Ann Sheridan; Aine Kelly; Kevin Madigan; Elizabeth Lawlor; Mary Clarke Journal: Aust N Z J Psychiatry Date: 2019-02-06 Impact factor: 5.744