Long term functioning in early onset psychosis: two years prospective follow-up study

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Neuroscience
• Global Health

Background:

• Limited research exists on schizophrenia outcomes in developing nations.
• Understanding early-onset psychosis trajectories is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term functioning and behavior of patients with early-onset non-affective psychosis.
• To identify predictors and associated factors for remission and outcome in this population.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 56 children and adolescents diagnosed with psychosis (DSM-IV criteria).
• Utilized PANSS for psychosis severity, Andreasen remission criteria, Children's Global Assessment Scale, and educational attainment for outcome assessment.

Main Results:

• Of 37 analyzed patients, 51.4% achieved full remission, but only 29.7% reached their age-appropriate educational level.
• Factors linked to poor outcomes included gradual onset, low IQ, negative symptoms, and poor medication adherence.
• Negative symptoms at illness onset tended to predict a worse prognosis.

Conclusions:

• Early-onset non-affective psychosis can lead to proper functioning in some individuals.
• Achieving remission in childhood psychosis is difficult but attainable, highlighting the need for early intervention and sustained support.