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First-episode schizophrenia with long duration of untreated psychosis: Pathways to care

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 August 2018

Tor K. Larsen ,
Jan Olav Johannessen  and
Stein Opjordsmoen
Tor K. Larsen*
Affiliation:
Rogland Psychiatric Hospital, Sandnes/Stavanger, Norway
Jan Olav Johannessen
Affiliation:
Rogland Psychiatric Hospital, Sandnes/Stavanger, Norway
Stein Opjordsmoen
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Ullevål Hospital, Oslo, Norway
*
Correspondence: Tor K. Larsen, Psychiatric Hospital of Rogaland, Armauer Hansensv, 20 4011 Stavanger, Norway. Fax: 51 51 99 09
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Abstract

Background The early course of illness in first-episode schizophrenia was examined with special emphasis on the duration of untreated psychosis and pathways to care.

Method The consecutively admitted individuals (n=34) were assessed on premorbid functioning, duration of untreated psychosis, global functioning, symptoms and social network. To clarify the obstacles for receiving earlier treatment, 17 case histories with long duration of untreated psychosis were intensively studied.

Results The duration of untreated psychosis was on average very long (130 weeks), the median value was 54 weeks. The long duration of untreated psychosis group (> 54 weeks) had greater deterioration in the premorbid phase, a weaker social network and were more withdrawn than the short duration of untreated psychosis group (< 54 weeks). The main obstacles for receiving treatment were withdrawal and poor social network.

Conclusions In order to identify people earlier, a system of detection must be mobile, easily accessible and attentive to early symptoms of psychosis. It seems to be important to educate the social network related to the individual about the importance of early treatment.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 172 , Issue S33: Verging on reality , June 1998 , pp. 45 - 52
Copyright
Copyright © 1998 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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