Authors: Turner, M. A.¹; Boden, J. M.²; Smith-Hamel, C.¹; Mulder, R. T.²

Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, Volume 120, Number 2, August 2009 , pp. 129-137(9)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Turner MA, Boden JM, Smith-Hamel C, Mulder RT. Outcomes for 236 patients from a 2-year early intervention in psychosis service. Objective: 

To examine: i) changes in key outcome measures over time in treatment in a representative first-episode psychosis treatment cohort and ii) baseline predictors of service disengagement. Method: 

Baseline characteristics of 236 patients were examined for associations with outcomes over time using generalized estimating equation models. The data on disengagement were analysed using logistic regression. Results: 

After controlling for admission scores, patients showed consistently improved outcomes while in treatment on functional recovery (unemployment, P < 0.01; HoNOS, P < 0.001; the Quality of Life Scale, P < 0.001; GAF, P < 0.05) but not symptomatology (as assessed by the PANSS and substance abuse). The 64 (33%) who disengaged were more likely to be unemployed (P < 0.01) and have higher HoNOS (P < 0.01) and GAF (P < 0.05) scores at baseline. Conclusion: 

This evaluation has shown significant improvements in psychosocial functioning but not psychopathology during treatment at an Early Intervention for Psychosis Service. Despite attempts to retain patients, there is a high rate of treatment discontinuation.

Keywords: early intervention; first episode; outcomes; psychoses

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.2009.01386.x

Affiliations: 1: Totara House Early Intervention for Psychosis Service, Canterbury District Health Board 2: Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand

Publication date: 2009-08-01

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