Predictors of outcome among adult psychiatric first-admissions

This study comparatively evaluated the prognostic potential of 10 demographic and clinical factors previously associated with psychiatric outcome. The longitudinal design employed intensive, structured, reliable interview techniques. One hundred forty-five subjects from a representative sample (N = 217) of community mental health catchment area first lifetime admissions were assessed at hospitalization and at 2-year follow-up. Predictors examined included premorbid functioning, overall health-sickness, diagnostic severity, social class, sex, age, IQ, race, and life events. Outcome was assessed multidimensionally with absolute-level and residualized indices of functioning and symptomatology. Phillips Premorbid Status and social class emerged from correlation and multiple regression analyses as the best predictors of functioning level and overall clinical status, while IQ was the most prominent indicator of symptomatology changes. Results support the notion that a general social competence factor predicts to psychiatric outcome across the entire spectrum of severe disorders.