Substance misuse in first-episode psychosis: 15-Month prospective follow-up study

Abstract

Background: Well-designed prospective studies of substance misuse in first-episode psychosis can improve our understanding of the risks associated with comorbid substance misuse and psychosis. Aims: To examine the potential effects of substance misuse on in-patient admission and remission and relapse of positive symptoms in first-episode psychosis. Method: The study was a prospective 15-month follow-up investigation of 103 patients with first-episode psychosis recruited from three mental health services. Results: Substance misuse was independently associated with increased risk of in-patient admission, relapse of positive symptoms and shorter time to relapse of positive symptoms after contro..