An
abstract published in the January 1st edition of the
British Journal of Psychiatry by Crumlish
et al.:
Background
The critical period hypothesis proposes that deterioration occurs aggressively during the early years of psychosis, with relative stability subsequently. Thus, interventions that shorten the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and arrest early deterioration may have long-term benefits.
Aims
To test the critical period hypothesis by determining whether outcome in non-affective psychosis stabilises beyond the critical period and whether DUP correlates with 8-year outcome; to determine whether duration of untreated illness (DUI) has any independent effect on outcome.
Method
We recruited 118 people consecutively referred with first-episode psychosis to a prospective, naturalistic cohort study.
Results
Negative and disorganised symptoms improved between 4 and 8 years. Duration of untreated psychosis predicted remission, positive symptoms and social functioning at 8 years. Continuing functional recovery between 4 and 8 years was predicted by DUI.
Conclusions
These results provide qualified support for the critical period hypothesis. The critical period could be extended to include the prodrome as well as early psychosis.
An abstract published in the January 1st edition of the British Journal of Psychiatry by Crumlish et al.:
