Predictors of Better Social Functioning for Patients with First Episode Psychoses

Abstract

The aim of our study was to investigate social functioning of patients with first psychotic episode and to determine, how cognitive impairment and psychopathological symptoms could influence these functions over the illness duration.

32 patients with first psychotic episode and 32 healthy controls participated in the study. The diagnoses have been made according the DSM IV-criteria. Psychopathological symptoms were assessed by positive (SAPS) and negative (SANS) symptoms assessment scales and brief psychitric rating scale (BPRS). Cognitive functions such as executive functions, sustained attention, visual perseption have been studied by computerised version of the visual backward masking test, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Continuous Performance Task.

The schizoid personality features of the healthy controls have been investigated by the Schizoid Personality Questionnaire – brief version (SPQ-B brief version). The follow up observation have been provided after 6 and 12 months for both groups. The patients' outcome have been measured by Health and Outcome Scale (HoNOS).

Results

At the baseline the cognitive functions of the patients with first episode psychosis were considerably impaired compared to the healthy controls. Although, have not changed significantly over the two years. Moreover the patients, who have adhered to the treatment regime (treatment as usual) showed prominent improvement at social and symptomatic scales of HoNOS.

Conclusion

The first psychotic episode is an important period for prevention of social deterioration and the treatment adherence is a strong predictors of better social outcome.