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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]