Cognitive deterioration and duration of untreated psychosis

Early Interv Psychiatry. 2009 May;3(2):157-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-7893.2009.00121.x.

Abstract

Aim: To examine the relationship between cognitive deterioration and the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in a first-episode psychosis sample.

Method: We assessed a consecutive sample of first-episode psychosis participants (N = 50) with measures of cognitive deterioration and DUP.

Results: Using correlations and stepwise linear regressions, we found strong relationships between DUP and measures of cognitive deterioration.

Conclusions: The length of DUP predicted cognitive deterioration. These results highlight a potential DUP grace period (>6 months) in which significant cognitive deterioration may be averted.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ireland
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology*
  • Time Factors
  • Wechsler Scales