Predictors of service use and social conditions in patients with psychotic disorders

To determine independent predictors of outcome on 3 separate dimensions--namely, relapse and service use, employment, and living conditions--in patients with psychotic disorders.

One hundred and thirty-four patients, most with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (94%), were treated and followed up in a comprehensive treatment program with inpatient and community treatment components. Complete data on several predictor and outcome variables were available on 93 patients. Relationships between predictor variables and each dimension of outcome were analyzed using Spearman correlation and multiple regression analysis.

Results showed that the use of inpatient resources (days in hospital) during the follow-up period was predicted by days in hospital prior to entry into the program, as was employment status. Although substance abuse was related to employment status, it did not have any predictive value. Better living conditions were predicted by being female and having a later age of onset.

Use of inpatient resources and social dimensions of outcome in schizophrenia may be predicted by different patient- or illness-related variables. These relationships are likely to be modified by the nature and content of treatment received.