FIRST-EPISODE SCHIZOPHRENIA WITH LONG-DURATION OF UNTREATED PSYCHOSIS- PATHWAYS TO CARE

Background The early course of illness in first-episode schizophrenia was examined with special emphasis on the duration of untreated psycho sis and pathways to care, Method The consecutively admitted individual s (n=34) were assessed on premorbid functioning, duration of untreated psychosis, global functioning, symptoms and social network.To clarify the obstacles for receiving earlier treatment, 17 case histories with long duration of untreated psychosis were intensively studied. Result s The duration of untreated psychosis was on average very long (130 we eks), the median Value was 54 weeks.The long duration of untreated psy chosis group (> 54 weeks) had greater deterioration in the premorbid p hase, a weaker social network and were more withdrawn than the short d uration of untreated psychosis group (< 54 weeks). The main obstacles for receiving treatment were withdrawal and poor social network. Concl usions in order to identify people earlier, a system of detection must be mobile, easily accessible and attentive to early symptoms of psych osis. It seems to be important to educate the social network related t o the individual about the importance of early treatment.