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Depressive symptoms in first‐episode psychosis: a 10‐year follow‐up study
Author(s) -
Sönmez Nasrettin,
Røssberg Jan Ivar,
Evensen Julie,
Barder Helene Eidsmo,
Haahr Ulrik,
Velden Hegelstad Wenche,
Joa Inge,
Johannessen Jan Olav,
Langeveld Hans,
Larsen Tor Ketil,
Melle Ingrid,
Opjordsmoen Stein,
Rund Bjørn Rishovd,
Simonsen Erik,
Vaglum Per,
McGlashan Thomas,
Friis Svein
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
early intervention in psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.087
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1751-7893
pISSN - 1751-7885
DOI - 10.1111/eip.12163
Subject(s) - depression (economics) , depressive symptoms , psychosis , psychiatry , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , major depressive disorder , medicine , psychology , cognition , economics , macroeconomics
Aims The present study examined if any patient characteristics at baseline predicted depressive symptoms at 10 years and whether patients prone to depressive symptoms in the first year of treatment had a different prognosis in the following years. Method A total of 299 first‐episode psychosis ( FEP ) patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders were assessed for depressive symptoms with PANSS depression item (g6) at baseline, and 1, 2, 5 and 10 years of follow up. At 10 years, depressive symptoms were also assessed with C algary D epression Scale for S chizophrenia (CDSS). A PANSS g6 ≥ 4 and CDSS score ≥ 6 were used as a cut‐off score for depression. Results A total of 122 (41%) patients were scored as depressed at baseline, 75 (28%) at 1 year, 50 (20%) at 2 years, 33 (16%) at 5 years, and 35 (19%) at 10 years of follow up. Poor childhood social functioning and alcohol use at baseline predicted depression at 10 years of follow up. Thirty‐eight patients were depressed at both baseline and 1 year follow up. This group had poorer symptomatic and functional outcome in the follow‐up period compared to a group of patients with no depression in the first year of treatment. Conclusion Depressive symptoms are frequent among FEP patients at baseline but decrease after treatment because their general symptoms have been initiated. Patients with poor social functioning in childhood and alcohol use at baseline are more prone to have depressive symptoms at 10 years of follow up. Patients struggling with depressive symptoms in the first year of treatment should be identified as having poorer long‐term prognosis.