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Prevalence and correlates of comorbidity 8 years after a first psychotic episode
Author(s) -
Farrelly S.,
Harris M. G.,
Henry L. P.,
Purcell R.,
Prosser A.,
Schwartz O.,
Jackson H.,
McGorry P. D.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
acta psychiatrica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.849
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1600-0447
pISSN - 0001-690X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2006.00922.x
Subject(s) - comorbidity , psychosis , psychopathology , psychiatry , psychology , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , clinical psychology , medicine
Objective: While rates and correlates of comorbidity have been investigated in the early course of psychosis, little is known about comorbidity in the medium‐to‐longer term or its relationship with outcome. Method: A total of 182 first‐episode psychosis (FEP) patients who met DSM‐IV criteria for a current psychotic disorder 8 years after index presentation were grouped according to concurrent comorbidity [no concurrent axis I disorder; concurrent substance use disorder (SUD); other concurrent axis I disorder; concurrent SUD and other axis I disorder]. Outcomes were compared between groups controlling for relevant covariates. Results: As much as 39% met criteria for one or more concurrent axis 1 diagnoses. Comorbidity was associated with greater severity of general psychopathology, but not with measures of functioning, treatment or negative symptoms. Conclusion: Specific combinations of comorbid disorders may influence patterns of psychotic symptomatology. Routine examination of axis I disorders is warranted in the ongoing management of psychosis.