Predictors of service use and social conditions in patients with psychoticdisorders

Objective: To determine independent predictors of outcome on 3 separate dim ensions-namely, relapse and service use, employment, and living conditions- in patients with psychotic disorders. Method: One hundred and thirty-four patients, most with a diagnosis of schi zophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (94%, were treated and followed up in a comprehensive treatment program with inpatient and community treatment c omponents. Complete data on several predictor and outcome variables were av ailable on 93 patients. Relationships between predictor variables and each dimension of outcome were analyzed using Spearman correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results: Results showed that the use of inpatient resources (days in hospit al) during the follow-up period was predicted by days in hospital prior to entry into the program, as was employment status. Although substance abuse was related to employment status, it did not have any predictive value. Bet ter living conditions were predicted by being female and having a later age of onset. Conclusions: Use of inpatient resources and social dimensions of outcome in schizophrenia may be predicted by different patient- or illness-related va riables. These relationships are likely to be modified by the nature and co ntent of treatment received.