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Psychopathology, cognition and outcome in Dutch and immigrant first‐episode psychosis patients
Author(s) -
Stouten Luyken H.,
Veling Wim,
Laan Winfried,
Van der Gaag Mark
Publication year - 2019
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.12561
Subject(s) - psychosocial , neurocognitive , psychology , distress , clinical psychology , psychopathology , cognition , psychosis , immigration , psychiatry , archaeology , history
Aim The primary aim was to examine differences in baseline symptom expression, neurocognition, social cognition and psychosocial functioning between Dutch, first‐generation immigrants and second‐generation immigrants with a first‐episode psychosis (FEP). The secondary aim was to examine functional and symptomatic change and between‐group differences at 12‐months follow‐up. Associations between migration, baseline characteristics and outcome were explored. Methods Forty‐six Dutch, 56 second‐generation‐ and 60 first‐generation immigrant patients completed baseline measures for 6 symptom dimensions (positive symptoms, negative symptoms, neurocognitive functioning, social cognitive functioning, excitement and emotional distress) and 5 domains of psychosocial functioning (general functioning, work and study, relationships, self‐care and disturbing behaviour). Functioning and psychotic symptoms were assessed at baseline and 12‐months follow‐up. ANCOVA and t tests were used to assess between‐group differences. General linear models were used to explore within‐group differences. Backward‐regression was used to explore predictors of outcome. Results Levels of positive symptoms, excitement and emotional distress did not differ between groups at baseline or follow‐up. Dutch patients had lower levels of negative symptoms than both immigrant groups at follow‐up. On neurocognition and social cognition, Dutch performed better than second‐generation immigrants, who in turn performed better than first‐generation immigrants. Psychosocial functioning across all domains at baseline and at 12‐months follow‐up was similar across groups. Baseline levels of general psychosocial functioning and income were the strongest predictors of outcome at follow‐up. Conclusions Psychosocial functioning and symptom profiles are comparable between Dutch, first‐generation immigrant and second‐generation immigrant FEP patients, excluding neurocognitive and social cognitive deficits. A range of baseline characteristics predicted outcome.