Relapse prevention during early stages after psychosis onset is a key factor for long term outcome. While factors associated with first relapse have been widely studied, factors associated with subsequent relapses are poorly described.

To determine predictive factors of first and subsequent relapses among patients recruited from a cohort of PAFIP Early Intervention Program.

We analyzed socio-demographic and clinical data of a cohort of 393 first episode psychosis (FEP) patients that were recruited since February 2001 to May 2011. Of these, 341 achieved clinical remission and were, therefore, considered to be at risk of relapse. They were followed-up for 3 years. A wide range of potential factors were included as possible predictors of relapse. Test univariate, analysis logistics of regression, regression of Cox and analysis of survival of Kaplan-Meier were carried out.

Poor adherence to medication was the main predictor associated to first relapse (ExpB: 2.979; P < 0.001). After the first relapse, only 56 patients (33.9%) underwent a second relapse, being the diagnosis (ExpB: 1.975; P = 0.074), the age of onset, (ExpB: 1.078; P = 0.003) and a low level of positive symptomatology (ExpB: 0.863; P = 0.03) the predictors of associated with a second relapse.

After a FEP, non-adherence to medication is the main predictor of first relapse. Second and subsequent relapses relate with non-modifiable factors such as age of onset or schizophrenia diagnosis. This subgroup of patients could have greater predisposition to relapse related with the severity of the disease itself.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.