The impact of duration of untreated psychosis and premorbid functioning on outcome of first inpatient treatment in schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the association between the duration of untreated psychosis, premorbid functioning and outcome from first inpatient treatment in schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients. Method The data of 196 first-hospitalized patients with a schizophrenic or schizoaffective disorder according to the ICD-10 criteria were analyzed using univariate and multivariate methods. Patients' characteristics were prospectively assessed using standardized instruments at the time of first admission and discharge. Results The analyses revealed that a duration of untreated psychosis longer than 12 months was independently and significantly associated with a poorer outcome from first inpatient treatment. Premorbid functioning might have an additional influence on outcome, but this influence seems to be dependent on the diagnostic category. Conclusions The findings suggest that the duration of untreated psychosis is an independent prognostic factor for the outcome in schizophrenic and schizoaffective disorders.