Duration of untreated illness and outcome in schizophrenia: Test of predictions in relation to relapse risk

Abstract

Background The nature of the relationship between duration of the predlagnostlc Interval in schizophrenia and better outcomes remains unclear. Aims To re-examine data from one of the earliest studies suggesting an association between long pre-treatment Interval and compromised outcome, assessing the relationship between symptomatic and social variables and increased relapse risk at 1 year. Method Symptomatic, social and demographic data from participants in the Northwlck Park Study of First Episodes who completed 12-month follow-up (n = l0D were re-analysed In the context of duration of untreated illness (DUl). Results At admission, those with long DUl were more likely to have lower scores on tension derived from the Present State Examination, exhibited more behaviour threatening to others and more bizarre behaviour, were more likely to be single, to live alone or dependently, to be unemployed and to have experienced more adverse life events prior to admission. Logistic regression showed that diminished tension, bizarre behaviour and unemployed status Independently increased the risk of relapse, bizarre behaviour making the single biggest contribution. Tension did not remain significant with log-transformation of data. Conclusions Findings are consistent with the conclusion that long DUI can reflect characteristics of the psychosis Itself rather than delay In treatment.