Symptom outcome 1 year after admission to an early psychosis program
Addington, J.; Leriger, E.; Addington, D.
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne de Psychiatrie 48(3): 204-207
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0706-7437 PMID: 12728745 Document Number: 552296
To determine the change in positive, negative, and depressive symptoms after 1 year in an early psychosis program. One hundred and eighty subjects were included from the first 257 admissions for a first episode of psychosis to a comprehensive early psychosis program. Most had a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder. Subjects were assessed on admission to the program and at 3, 6, and 12 months after admission. All 180 subjects completed the 1-year assessment. Assessment measures included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia. There was a clinically and statistically significant improvement in positive symptoms by 3 months, depression increased at 3 months but significantly improved by 12 months, and negative symptoms changed little over the first year. The differential changes in symptoms in the first year after admission have implications for treatment.