Published online by Cambridge University Press: 16 April 2020
To evaluate the effects of integrated treatment for first-episode psychotic patients.
In a randomised clinical trial of 547 first-episode patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, effects of integrated treatment and standard treatment was compared. The integrated treatment lasted for two years and consisted of assertive community treatment with programmes for family-involvement and social skills training. Standard treatment offered contact with a community mental health centre. Patients were assessed at entry and after one, two and five years by investigators that were not involved in treatment.
At the one-year and two-year follow-up psychotic and negative symptoms changed in favour of integrated treatment. Patients in integrated treatment had significantly less co-morbid substance abuse, better adherence to treatment, and more satisfaction with treatment. Use of bed days was 22 percent less in integrated treatment than in standard treatment. Results of five-year follow-up will be presented.
Integrated treatment improved clinical outcome and adherence to treatment. The improvement in clinical outcome was consistent in the one-year and two-year follow-ups.
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