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Abstract
This study examines 1year outcome in patients having first-episode non-affective psychosis,
with emphasis on Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP) and premorbid functioning,
in order to clarify how these factors interact.
Forty-three consecutively admitted patients were all rated on the Positive and Negative
Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF), both
upon hospitalization and at 1year follow-up. In addition, premorbid functioning, DUP,
duration of hospitalization, and social functioning were rated.
Fifty-six per cent were in remission, 18% suffered multiple relapses and 26% were
continuously psychotic at 1 year follow-up. Both poor premorbid functioning and long
DUP are significantly correlated with more negative symptoms and poorer global functioning
at follow-up. Long DUP is also significantly correlated with more positive symptoms.
Even when we control for other factors, including premorbid functioning and gender,
DUP is a strong predictor of outcome. To a limited degree premorbid functioning and
DUP interact, but DUP has an independent influence on outcome.
these findings strengthen the rationale for establishing health service programs for
early detection and treatment of first-onset psychosis