Quality of life in patients who have remitted from their first episode of psychosis

S M Cotton; J F M Gleeson; M Alvarez-Jimenez; P D McGorry

doi:10.1016/j.schres.2010.05.027

Quality of life in patients who have remitted from their first episode of psychosis

Schizophr Res. 2010 Aug;121(1-3):259-65. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2010.05.027. Epub 2010 Jun 18.

Authors

S M Cotton¹, J F M Gleeson, M Alvarez-Jimenez, P D McGorry

Affiliation

¹ Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia. smcotton@unimelb.edu.au

PMID: 20655474
DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2010.05.027

Abstract

Background: Quality of life (QoL) in first-episode psychosis (FEP) is strongly related to levels of psychopathology and may vary as a function of illness phase. QoL remains poorly understood in FEP.

Aim: Characterise the nature and predictors of QoL in patients who have remitted from their first-episode of psychosis.

Method: Demographic characteristics, diagnoses, and psychopathology were assessed in 81 FEP patients. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Bref (WHOQoL-Bref) was used to assess QoL in these patients. Carer-related variables (expressed emotion and burden of care) were ascertained from 63 relatives.

Results: Poorer QoL was associated with personality disorder, depression, mild psychotic positive symptoms, and impaired functioning. Carer-related factors such as emotional overinvolvement and burden of care were also associated with a reduction in patients' QoL.

Conclusions: Depression, functioning and family variables impacted on QoL, and need to be considered in terms of ongoing patient management.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Female
Humans
Male
Predictive Value of Tests
Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis*
Psychotic Disorders / psychology*
Quality of Life / psychology*
Regression Analysis
Secondary Prevention
Social Behavior
Young Adult