Clinical recovery in first-episode psychosis

Abstract

Introduction: Generally agreed outcome criteria in psychosis are required to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatment strategies. The aim of this study is to explore clinical recovery in first-episode patients, defined by meeting criteria for both symptomatic and functional remission. Method: In a sample of first-episode patients (N=125), symptomatic and functional remission during the last 9 months of a 2-year follow-up period were examined, as well as recovery and its predictors. Results: Half the patients (52.0%) showed symptomatic remission and a quarter (26.4%) functional remission, while one-fifth (19.2%) met both criteria sets and were considered recovered. Recovery was significantly associated with short duration of untreated psychosis and better baseline functioning. Conclusion: Most functionally remitted patients were also symptomatically remitted, while a minority of symptomatically remitted patients were also functionally remitted. Treatment delay may affect chance of recovery.