The relationship between duration of untreated psychosis and outcome: An eight-year prospective study

Abstract

Longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) prior to the initiation of treatment has been found to predict poorer short-term clinical and functional outcomes in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP). The extent to which the relationship between DUP and outcome is maintained in the medium-to-long term however remains unclear. We examined the influence of DUP on clinical and functional outcomes in a prospective, naturalistic study of 318 FEP patients followed up 8 years after initial treatment at a specialist early psychosis service. Quality of life, social and occupational functioning, positive and negative symptoms at 8 years were assessed using standardized instruments. Multiple line..