Personalised prediction of functional outcomes is a promising approach for targeted early intervention in psychiatry. However, generalisability and resource efficiency of such prognostic models represent challenges. In the PRONIA study (German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00005042), we demonstrate excellent generalisability of prognostic models in individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis or with recent-onset depression, and substantial contributions of detailed clinical phenotyping, particularly to the prediction of role functioning. These results indicate that it is possible that functioning prediction models based only on clinical data could be effectively applied in diverse healthcare settings, so that neuroimaging data may not be needed at early assessment stages.

The Czech Republic is a country in transition, and its historical sociopolitical isolationism lingers to this day, with restrictive attitudes towards immigrants. International collaborations among transcultural psychiatrists and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) could help increase awareness of the service needs of immigrants and improve access to mental healthcare. A lack of state and academic interest persists despite the increasing importance of the issue. These neglected problems burden NGOs that have limited financial and staffing resources. Legislation on the humanitarian needs of immigrants must enhance the efforts of NGOs, and psychiatrists may serve as liaisons to effect the necessary change.