Rates and Predictors of Relapse in First-Episode Psychosis: An Australian Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Clinical and functional recovery is usually achieved after treatment for a first episode of psychosis (FEP). Unfortunately, subsequent relapse remains common, occurring within a year for approximately 30% of individuals and up to 80% over 5 years. Factors that make relapse more likely in any given individual remain poorly understood. Methods: This article presents a naturalistic cohort study of young people (15-24 years old) accessing an early intervention in psychosis service in Melbourne, Australia between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2016. Demographic and clinical predictors of relapse were collected and analyzed using Cox regression analysis. Results: A total of 1220 youn..