Association of duration of untreated psychosis and functional level, in first episode of schizophrenia attendingan outpatient clinic in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a progressive disorder that affects thoughts, emotions, perceptions and psychosocial behaviour.The duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is the time period from development of initial psychotic symptom in the patient to the beginning of adequate treatment. Studies in the west have indicated that longer DUP is associated with poorer prognosis and functional levelin schizophrenia. This study aimed to quantify the DUP retrospectively in a group of patients in their first episode of schizophrenia attending the outpatient psychiatry clinic ofNational Hospital of Sri Lanka. Their functional level was assessed using the modified general assessment of functioning scale (mGAF) prospectively over three months. The mean DUP was 35.5 months and a longer DUP was significantly associated with lower mGAF scores. This DUP is higher compared to western and Indian data, and indicates the need for early recognition and management.