Abstract

APIQUIAN-GUITART, Rogelio et al. Impact of the duration of untreated psychosis among patients with a first episode: A one year follow-up study. Gac. Méd. Méx [online]. 2006, vol.142, n.2, pp.113-120. ISSN 2696-1288.

Background: The delay on the onset of specific treatment has several prognostic implications for psychotic patients. Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) has been considered a prognostic variable. A longer DUP has been associated with a poor clinical outcome. Objective: To determine the DUP in a sample of first-episode psychotic patients and its relationship with recovery and relapse on a one-year follow-up study. Material and methods: A sample of 66 first-episode psychotic patients was recruited and divided according to their diagnoses in affective and non-affective psychoses. Diagnoses were obtained with SCAN and DUP was registered for each patient. A clinical assessment for psychotic and affective symptoms was performed using standardized instruments. Results: All patient studied showed clinical improvement during follow-up. Patients with a longer DUP showed poorer psychosocial adjustment and lower recovery indexes. Treatment suspension was the main variable associated with relapse. Conclusions: DUP is an important prognostic variable. Early detection programs are required to decrease the period between illness onset, diagnosis and treatment in first-episode psychotic patients.

Keywords : Untreated psychosis; first-episode psychosis; recovery; relapse.

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