Lifetime cannabis use and childhood trauma increase risk of psychosis in carriers of CNR1 genetic variants: findings from the STREAM study

Objectives: Gene-environment interactions increase the risk of psychosis. The objective of this study was to investigate gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in psychosis, including single nucleotide variants (SNVs) of dopamine-2 receptor (D2R), N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), and cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), lifetime cannabis use, and childhood trauma. Methods: Twenty-three SNVs of genes encoding D2R (DRD2: rs1799978, rs7131056, rs6275), NMDAR (GRIN1: rs4880213, rs11146020; GRIN2A: rs1420040, rs11866328; GRIN2B: rs890, rs2098469, rs7298664), and CB1R (CNR1: rs806380, rs806379, rs1049353, rs6454674, rs1535255, rs2023239, rs12720071, rs6928499, rs806374, rs7766029, rs806378, rs10485170, rs9450898) were genotyped in 143 first-episode psychosis patients (FEPp) and 286 community-based controls by Illumina HumanCoreExome-24 BeadChip. Gene-gene and gene-environment associations were assessed using nonparametric Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction software. Results: Single-locus analyses among the 23 SNVs for psychosis and gene-gene interactions were not significant (p > 0.05 for all comparisons); however, both environmental risk factors showed an association with psychosis (p < 0.001). Moreover, gene-environment interactions were significant for an SNV in CNR1 and cannabis use. The best-performing model was the combination of CNR1 rs12720071 and lifetime cannabis use (p < 0.001), suggesting an increased risk of psychosis. Conclusion: Our study supports the hypothesis of gene-environment interactions for psychosis involving T-allele carriers of CNR1 SNVs, childhood trauma, and cannabis use.

Evaluation of relationships between presence of adhesio interthalamica and cannabis use in first-episode psychosis: a magnetic resonance imaging investigation

ABSTRACT Recent studies suggested that cannabis use influences on the emergence of psychosis by disrupting neurodevelopmental processes that occur during adolescence and early adulthood and which are reflected on brain anatomical changes detectable with MRI. However, no MRI studies have investigated whether intrauterine neurodevelopmental abnormalities also interact with later cannabis use to influence on psychosis risk. We investigated differences between first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients with history of cannabis use (FEPC+, n=28), FEP subjects without cannabis use (FEPC-, n=78) and healthy controls (n=80) in regard to the frequency of absent or short Adhesio Interthalamica (AI), a well-established marker of intrauterine neurodevelopment. The FEPC+ subgroup had a significantly lower prevalence of absent AI than FEPC- subjects, as well as a lack of a significantly shorter AI length compared to controls (as found in FEPC- subjects). These preliminary results show that psychosis subjects with cannabis use present a low rather than high frequency of absent AI, suggesting that fixed intrauterine neurodevelopmental abnormalities may not be associated with cannabis use later in life to influence on the emergence of psychosis. This is consistent with a view that multiple different etiological processes may lead to similar clinical presentations in patients with FEP.

Plasma prevalence of anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor IgG antibodies in early stages of psychosis / Prevalência plasmática de anticorpos IgG antirreceptor N-metil-d-aspartato nos estágios iniciais de psicose

Abstract We investigated the feasibility of including plasma anti-NMDAR antibody screening in the assessment of first-episode psychosis patients in an early intervention programme in the Southern hemisphere. Anti-NMDAR IgG antibodies were assessed by ELISA in 166 patients (64.0% men), 166 matched population-based controls and 76 patients' siblings (30.3% men). Fisher's exact test and ANOVA were performed. Positive anti-NMDAR antibody patients were more often observed in bipolar disorder (10.0%) than schizophrenia (2.4%) or psychotic depression (3.1%), although no significant differences were observed. Our results are not conclusive regarding the inclusion of plasma anti-NMDAR IgG antibodies in differential diagnostic protocols for psychosis.

Resumo Nós investigamos a viabilidade de incluir a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-NMDAR na avaliação de pacientes em primeiro episódio psicótico em um programa de intervenção precoce no Hemisfério Sul. Anticorpos IgG anti-NMDAR foram avaliados por ELISA em 166 pacientes (64,0% homens), 166 controles de base populacional pareados e 76 irmãos (30,3% homens). Foram realizados teste exato de Fisher e ANOVA. Os anticorpos anti-NMDAR positivos foram mais observados no transtorno afetivo bipolar (10,0%) do que na esquizofrenia (2,4%) ou depressão psicótica (3,1%), embora não tenham sido observadas diferenças significativas. Nossos resultados não são conclusivos quanto à inclusão de anticorpos IgG anti-NMDAR no plasma em protocolos de diagnósticos diferenciais para psicose.

Correlation between anhedonia level and cognitive function in patients with first-episode psychosis / 四川精神卫生

ObjectiveTo explore the anhedonia level and its relationship with cognitive function in patients with first-episode psychosis， and to analyze the influencing factors of cognitive function. MethodsA total of 143 first-episode psychiatric patients who met the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders， fifth edition （DSM-5） in the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from December 2016 to March 2019 were selected. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale （PANSS） was used to evaluate the patient’s psychiatric symptoms， in which N2 （emotional withdrawal） and N4 （passive/apathetic social withdrawal） were used to assess the anhedonia level， and patients whose （N2+N4） scores beyond 4 were classified into anhedonia group， and those with （N2+N4） scores less than or equal to 4 were classified into non-anhedonia group. Hamilton Depression Scale-24 item （HAMD-24） was used to measure the depressive symptoms， and the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery （MCCB） was used to detect cognitive function. Then the clinical symptoms and cognitive function of two groups were compared， and the influencing factors of cognitive function were screened by multiple linear regression analysis. ResultsThe negative symptom score， general pathological symptom score and total score of PANSS in anhedonia group were significantly higher than those of non-anhedonia group， with statistical difference （P<0.05）. The score of working memory in adolescent subgroup， the scores of information processing speed， attention/alertness and vocabulary learning in adult subgroup of anhedonia group were lower than those of non-anhedonia group， with statistical difference （P<0.05）. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the anhedonia score and the duration of untreated psychosis were the influencing factors of working memory in adolescent subgroup （P<0.05）. ConclusionPatients with high levels of anhedonia suffer more severe mental symptoms and cognitive impairment， moreover， anhedonia is one of the influencing factors of working memory in adolescents.

Aripiprazole-induced Hepatitis: A Case Report

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic that acts as a partial agonist of dopamine type 2 receptors as well as 5-HT1A receptors. It is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and in type 1 bipolar disorder for mania. Because aripiprazole is well tolerated with few side effects it is used off-label in other psychotic disorders. The prevalence of abnormal liver function tests with antipsychotic use is 32%, with clinically significant effects in 4% of cases. No cases of aripiprazole-induced liver injury have been published. We report a 28-year-old female who presented with non-affective first-episode psychosis and who was treated with aripiprazole. Initially she was medicated with 10 mg per day, with an increase to 20 mg per day on the 12th day of hospitalization. Nine days after she became icteric, with nausea and had a vomiting episode. Laboratory analysis revealed a very high level of alanine aminotransferase, and minor to moderately high levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and bilirubin. Aripiprazole was tapered and paliperidone was started with the improvement of clinical and laboratory findings.

Predicting Symptomatic and Functional Improvements over 1 Year in Patients with First-Episode Psychosis Using Resting-State Electroencephalography

OBJECTIVE: Although early intervention from the beginning of a psychotic episode is essential for a better prognosis, biomarkers predictive of symptomatic and functional improvement in early psychotic disorders are lacking. This study aimed to investigate whether the spectral power of resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) can be used as a predictive marker of the 1-year prognosis in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP). METHODS: Twenty-four patients with FEP and matched healthy control (HC) subjects were examined with resting-state EEG at baseline. The symptomatic severity and functional status of FEP patients were assessed at baseline and reassessed after 1 year of usual treatment. Repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted to compare EEG spectral powers across the groups. Multiple regression analysis revealed EEG spectral powers predictive of symptomatic and functional improvement in FEP patients at the 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Delta band power in the frontal and posterior regions was significantly higher in patients with FEP than in HCs. Higher delta band power in the posterior region predicted later improvement of positive symptoms and general functional status. Lower delta band power in the frontal region predicted improvement of negative symptoms and general functioning after 1 year. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that increased delta absolute power is observed from the beginning of psychotic disorders. Furthermore, decreased delta power in the frontal region and increased delta power in the posterior region might be used as a predictive marker of a better prognosis of FEP, which would aid early intervention in clinical practice.

Long-Term Grey Matter Changes in First Episode Psychosis: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE: To determine possible progressive changes of the grey matter at the first stages of the schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and to determine what regions are involved in these changes. METHODS: We searched the literature concerning studies on longitudinal changes in grey matter in first-episode psychosis using magnetic resonance imaging, especially studies with an interval between scans of more than a year. Only articles published before 2018 were searched. We selected 19 magnetic resonance imaging longitudinal studies that used different neuroimaging analysis techniques to study changes in cerebral grey matter in a group of patients with a first episode of psychosis. RESULTS: Patients with first episode of psychosis showed a decrease over time in cortical grey matter compared with a group of control subjects in frontal, temporal (specifically in superior regions), parietal, and subcortical regions. In addition to the above, studies indicate that patients showed a grey matter decrease in cerebellum and lateral ventricles volume. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a decrease in grey matter in the years after the first episode of psychosis. Furthermore, the results of the studies showed consistency, regardless of the methods used in their analyses, as well as the time intervals between image collections.

Peripheral Biomarkers for First-Episode Psychosis—Opportunities from the Neuroinflammatory Hypothesis of Schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE: Schizophrenia is a disabling disorder of unknown aetiology, lacking definite diagnostic method and cure. A reliable biological marker of schizophrenia is highly demanded, for which traceable immune mediators in blood could be promising candidates. We aimed to gather the best findings of neuroinflammatory markers for first-episode psychosis (FEP). METHODS: We performed an extensive narrative review of online literature on inflammation-related markers found in human FEP patients only. RESULTS: Changes to cytokine levels have been increasingly reported in schizophrenia. The peripheral levels of IL-1 (or its receptor antagonist), soluble IL-2 receptor, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α have been frequently reported as increased in FEP, in a suggestive continuum from high-risk stages for psychosis. Microglia and astrocytes establish the link between this immune signalling and the synthesis of noxious tryptophan catabolism products, that cause structural damage and directly hamper normal neurotransmission. Amongst these, only 3-hydroxykynurenine has been consistently described in the blood of FEP patients. CONCLUSION: Peripheral molecules stemming from brain inflammation might provide insightful biomarkers of schizophrenia, as early as FEP or even prodromal phases, although more time- and clinically-adjusted studies are essential for their validation.

Pattern Analysis of Volume of Basal Ganglia Structures in Patients with First-Episode Psychosis

OBJECTIVES: Dopamine dysregulation has been regarded as one of the core pathologies in patients with schizophrenia. Since dopamine synthesis capacity has found to be inconsistent in patients with schizophrenia, current classification of patients based on clinical symptoms cannot reflect the neurochemical heterogeneity of the disease. Here we performed new subtyping of patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) through biotype-based cluster analysis. We specifically suggested basal ganglia structural changes as a biotype, which deeply involves in the dopaminergic circuit. METHODS: Forty FEP and 40 demographically matched healthy participants underwent 3T T1 MRI. Whole brain parcellation was conducted, and volumes of total 6 regions of basal ganglia have been extracted as features for cluster analysis. We used K-means clustering, and external validation was conducted with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). ResultsZZK-means clustering divided 40 FEP subjects into 2 clusters. Cluster 1 (n = 25) showed substantial volume decrease in 4 regions of basal ganglia compared to Cluster 2 (n = 15). Cluster 1 showed higher positive scales of PANSS compared with Cluster 2 (F = 2.333, p = 0.025). Compared to healthy controls, Cluster 1 showed smaller volumes in 4 regions, whereas Cluster 2 showed larger volumes in 3 regions. RESULTS: K-means clustering divided 40 FEP subjects into 2 clusters. Cluster 1 (n = 25) showed substantial volume decrease in 4 regions of basal ganglia compared to Cluster 2 (n = 15). Cluster 1 showed higher positive scales of PANSS compared with Cluster 2 (F = 2.333, p = 0.025). Compared to healthy controls, Cluster 1 showed smaller volumes in 4 regions, whereas Cluster 2 showed larger volumes in 3 regions. CONCLUSIONS: Two subgroups have been found by cluster analysis, which showed a distinct difference in volume patterns of basal ganglia structures and positive symptom severity. The result possibly reflects the neurobiological heterogeneity of schizophrenia. Thus, the current study supports the importance of paradigm shift toward biotype-based diagnosis, instead of phenotype, for future precision psychiatry.

Predicting Prognosis in Patients with First Episode Psychosis Using Mismatch Negativity : A 1 Year Follow-up Study / 대한정신분열병학회지

OBJECTIVES: It has been shown that early intervention is crucial for favorable outcome in patients with schizophrenia. However, development of biomarkers for predicting prognosis of psychotic disorder still requires more research. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether baseline mismatch negativity (MMN) predict prognosis in patients with first episode psychosis (FEP). METHODS: Twenty-four patients with FEP and matched healthy controls (HCs) were examined with MMN at baseline, and their clinical status were re-assessed after 1 year. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed to compare baseline MMN between the two groups. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors predicting prognosis in FEP patients during the follow-up period. RESULTS: MMN amplitudes at baseline were significantly reduced in patients with FEP compared to healthy controls. In the multiple regression analysis, baseline MMN amplitude significantly predicted later improvement of performances on digit span and delayed recall of California Verbal Learning Test. However, baseline MMN did not predicted improvement of clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that MMN may be a possible predictor of improvement in cognitive functioning in patients with FEP. Future study with larger sample and longer follow-up period would be needed to confirm the findings of the current study.

Design and Methodology of the Korean Early Psychosis Cohort Study

The present study details the rationale and methodology of the Korean Early Psychosis Cohort Study (KEPS), which is a clinical cohort investigation of first episode psychosis patients from a Korean population. The KEPS is a prospective naturalistic observational cohort study that follows the participants for at least 2 years. This study includes patients between 18 and 45 years of age who fulfill the criteria for one of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders according to the diagnostic criteria of DSM-5. Early psychosis is defined as first episode patients who received antipsychotic treatment for fewer than 4 consecutive weeks after the onset of illness or stabilized patients in the early stages of the disorder whose duration of illness was less than 2 years from the initiation of antipsychotic treatment. The primary outcome measures are treatment response, remission, recovery, and relapse. Additionally, several laboratory tests are conducted and a variety of objective and subjective psychiatric measures assessing early life trauma, lifestyle pattern, and social and cognitive functioning are administered. This long-term prospective cohort study may contribute to the development of early intervention strategies and the improvement of long-term outcomes in patients with schizophrenia.

Hair cortisol in drug-naïve first-episode individuals with psychosis

Objectives: To compare hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) in drug-naïve first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients and healthy controls and to investigate the correlations between HCC and psychopathology. Methods: Twenty-four drug-naïve FEP patients and 27 gender- and age-matched healthy control subjects were recruited. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-1) was used to confirm/rule out diagnoses, and the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS) was used to assess symptom severity. Hair samples (2-3 cm long) obtained from the posterior vertex region of the scalp were processed in 1-cm segments considering a hair growth rate of 1 cm per month. The 1-cm segments were classified according to their proximity to the scalp: segment A was the closest to the scalp and referred to the month prior to inclusion in the study. Segments B and C referred to the 2nd and 3rd months prior to the time of evaluation respectively. Hair steroid extraction was performed using a known protocol. Results: Two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with gender and age as covariates revealed a group effect (F1.106 = 4.899, p = 0.029) on HCC. Between-segment differences correlated with total PANSS score and with PANSS General Psychopathology subscale and total score. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, as assessed by long-term (3-month) cortisol concentration, is abnormal in the early stages of psychosis. The magnitude of changes in HCC over time prior to the FEP correlates to psychopathology. HPA axis abnormalities might begin prior to full-blown clinical presentation requiring hospital admission.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Paliperidone Extended-release in the Treatment of First-episode Psychosis: An Eight-week, Open-label, Multicenter Trial

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the efficacy and tolerability of paliperidone extended-release (ER) tablets in patients with first-episode psychosis (n=75). METHODS: This was an 8-week, open-label, multicenter trial. The primary outcome variable was scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS); secondary measures included the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), the Cognitive Assessment Interview (CAI), and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). To assess safety, we measured drug-related adverse events, weight, lipid-related variables, and prolactin and administered the Simpson–Angus Rating Scale (SARS), the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), the Barnes Akathisia Scale (BAS), the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), and the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser side effect rating scale (UKU). RESULTS: The administration of paliperidone ER resulted in significant improvement in the PANSS, SANS, CAI, and GAF scores (p<0.001) over time. This improvement was evident as early as 1 week. The most frequent adverse events were akathisia, somnolence, anxiety, and sedation, which were well tolerated. Modest increases in weight and lipid profiles were also noted. Prolactin levels were substantially increased at the endpoint in both male and female patients. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that paliperidone ER is effective and is characterized by good tolerability in the treatment of positive and negative symptoms and cognitive functioning in first-episode psychosis.

A Study on the Effectiveness of Community-Based Case Management Program for the First Episode Psychosis / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to make empirical evidence for a community based case management program for the first episode of psychosis. METHODS: We provided a case management program for first episode psychosis patients and assessed their symptoms, function, insight, and satisfaction using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Health of Nation Outcomes Scales (HoNOS), Scale to assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder (SUMD), Global Assessment of Functioning Scales (GAF), and Quality of Life scales (QOL) at baseline and after the program. We also evaluated the treatment maintenance rate and the changes of their developmental task achievement. RESULTS: Significant improvement was observed in all sub-domains of PANSS and significant changes were also observed in the areas of symptoms and function of HoNOS. Significant improvement was observed in awareness of mental illness itself and its outcomes. The treatment maintenance rate was 87.5%, including three patients who stopped their medication with the doctor's order. The rate of participation in meaningful social activities, such as school or job showed an increase, from 25% at baseline to 81% after the program. CONCLUSION: Results of this study demonstrate the possibility of community programs for prevention of relapse, improvement of symptoms and function, and facilitation of return to meaningful social activities of first episode psychosis patients.

Outcomes of the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP) Singapore

Psychoses are serious and potentially chronic mental disorders with a profound impact, in terms of economic cost and human suffering, on patients, their families and society. Early detection and treatment, through reducing the duration of untreated psychosis, however, could lead to a better outcome. In 2001, the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP), Singapore was started with the following key strategies: (1) early detection of psychosis through outreach to and network with the community and our partners; (2) provision of clinical treatment that is evidence-based; and (3) conducting clinically relevant research to evaluate our service to be accountable to the stake-holders and to ensure cost-effectiveness. A myriad of structure, process and outcome measures offering a multi-dimensional evaluation were chosen to make us accountable to a broad range of stakeholders, from our funders, other service providers, to our patients and their families. EPIP has shown good outcomes in terms of number of patients accepted into the programme, as well as our clinical service provision. Such outcomes are achieved with our community partners playing an important role. General Practitioners, in particular, are vital not only in the detection, management of such individuals, but also in the re-integration of our patients back to community.

Prodromal Questionnaire: translation, adaptation to Portuguese and preliminary results in ultra-high risk individuals and first episode psychosis / Questionário Prodromal: tradução, adaptação para o português e resultados preliminares em indivíduos de ultra-alto risco e primeiro episódio psicótico

OBJECTIVE: The Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ) is a 92-item self-report screening tool for individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) to develop psychosis. This study aims to present the translation to Portuguese and preliminary results in UHR and first episode (FE) psychosis in a Portuguese sample. METHODS: The PQ was translated from English to Portuguese by two bilingual researchers from the research program on early psychosis of the Instituto de Psiquiatria HCFMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil (ASAS - "Evaluation and Follow up of Adolescents and Young Adults in São Paulo") and back translated by two other researchers. The study participants (n = 11-) were evaluated through the Portuguese version of the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ) and SIPS. RESULTS: The individuals at UHR (n = 7) presented a lower score than first episode patients (n = 4). The UHR mean scores and standard deviation on Portuguese version of the PQ were: 13.0 ± 10.0 points on positive symptoms subscale, and FE patients: 33.0 ± 10.0. CONCLUSION: The UHR and FE patients' of this study presented PQ scores similar to the ones found in the literature; what suggests that it is possible to use the PQ in Brazilian help-seeking individuals as a screening tool.

OBJETIVO: O Questionário Prodromal (PQ) é um instrumento de triagem e autorrelato com 92 itens para indivíduos com ultra-alto risco (UHR) para desenvolver psicose. Este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar a tradução desse questionário para português e seus resultados preliminares em uma amostra brasileira de UHR e primeiro episódio (FE) psicótico. MÉTODOS: O PQ foi traduzido do inglês para o português por dois pesquisadores bilíngues do programa de pesquisa sobre psicose precoce do Instituto de Psiquiatria HCFMUSP, São Paulo, Brasil (ASAS "Avaliação e Acompanhamento de Adolescentes e Jovens Adultos em São Paulo") e retrotraduzido por dois outros pesquisadores. Os participantes (n = 11) do estudo foram avaliados por meio da versão em português do Questionário de Prodromal (PQ) e SIPS. RESULTADOS: Os indivíduos com UHR (n = 7) apresentaram menor pontuação do que os pacientes de primeiro episódio (n = 4). Os escores médios e desvio-padrão dos indivíduos de UHR na versão em português do PQ foram: 13,0 ± 10,0 pontos na subescala de sintomas positivos, e dos pacientes de primeiro episódio: 33,0 ± 10,0. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo os indivíduos de UHR e pacientes de FE apresentaram pontuação do PQ semelhantes às encontradas na literatura, o que sugere a possibilidade de usar a PQ como um instrumento de triagem em indivíduos brasileiros que apresentam comportamento de procura de ajuda.

Help-seeking Pathways for In-patients with First-episode Psychosis in Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Introduction: Help-seeking pathway in psychiatry is the important link between the onset of a mental disorder and mental health service provision. Understanding of the help-seeking pathway can help us to device more effective strategies for early detection and treatment. Objectives: To determine the help-seeking pathways and treatment delaying factors of in-patients with first-episode psychosis in Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). Methods: This is a hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study of 50 in-patients with first-episode psychosis in HKL. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV - Clinical Version for Axis I Disorders (SCID-CV) was used for establishing diagnosis. Socio-demographic data, information on help-seeking pathways, and treatment delaying factors were determined through faceto- face interview and semi-structured questionnaires. Results: The number of non-psychiatric helpseeking contacts prior to first consultation with psychiatric service ranged from 0 to 10. The mean number of contacts was 2.3 ( 2.6), and median was 1 (IQR = 0 to 3). About a third of them (32%) had three or more non-psychiatric contacts. The most common point of first non-psychiatric contact was with traditional healer 24 (48%), followed by general practitioners 12 (24%), and only 14 (28%) of them sought help directly from psychiatric service. The most common reason reported for delay in seeking psychiatric treatment was, “not aware that changes were related to mental illness” (74%). Conclusions: History of contacts with traditional healers was common among in-patients with first episode psychosis in HKL. Treatment delay was mainly contributed by factors related to lack of awareness on psychosis. More strategic mental health education program is needed for early detection and treatment of psychosis.

Predictors of short-term course in Mexican first-episode psychosis patients / Predictores de curso temprano en pacientes mexicanos con primer episodio psicótico

Background and objectives The identification of prognostic factors in patients with schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders should enhance our understanding of the aetiology of these disorders and improve their treatment. The first years following an initial episode of psychosis are a <

Antecedentes y objetivos La identificación de factores pronósticos en pacientes con esquizofrenia y otros trastornos psicóticos relacionados podría facilitar la comprensión de la etiología de estos trastornos así como mejorar los tratamientos existentes. Los primeros años a partir del primer episodio psicótico son un <

Primeiro episódio psicótico: uma janela de oportunidade para tratamento? / First episode psychosis: a window of treatment opportunity?

CONTEXTO: Programas específicos para a pesquisa e assistência ao primeiro episódio psicótico foram desenvolvidos ao redor do mundo cujos pressupostos básicos são: identificação precoce do episódio psicótico, tratamento intensivo da crise e prevenção de recaídas. OBJETIVO: Este artigo pretende dar uma visão sobre a abordagem atual do paciente no primeiro episódio psicótico. MÉTODO: Revisão de pesquisas sobre primeiro episódio psicótico em centros internacionais e nacionais. RESULTADOS: Programas para identificação precoce do episódio psicótico podem diminuir o tempo de psicose não tratada e intervenções intensivas no primeiro episódio psicótico devem incluir tratamento intensivo do paciente e de seus familiares. CONCLUSÃO: Em alguns países os serviços já foram incorporados à rede de saúde pública. Existem poucas pesquisas e serviços especializados para primeiro episódio em nosso meio mostrando a necessidade de desenvolvimento de novas pesquisas nessa área.

BACKGROUND: Specific first episode programs were developed around the world aiming to: early detection, intensive crises care and relapse prevention. OBJECTIVE: This article intends to outline this new first episode psychosis approach. METHOD: To review study findings from international and national centers. RESULTS: Early education programs can lower the duration of untreated psychosis and interventions in first episode psychosis should include patient and family intensive care. CONCLUSION: In some countries these services have already been incorporated in the health system. There are few research and services in our country, showing the need to develop research in this area.

Impacto de la duración de la psicosis no tratada en pacientes con primer episodio psicótico: estudio de seguimiento a un año / Impact of the duration of untreated psychosis among patients with a first episode: a one year follow-up study

Antecedentes: El retraso en la atención especializada conlleva a implicaciones pronósticas en los pacientes con trastornos psicóticos. La duración de la Psicosis No Tratada (DPNT) es un parámetro importante con valor pronóstico. Una DPNT larga se asocia con un peor pronóstico clínico. Objetivo: Determinar la DPNT en un grupo de pacientes con primer episodio psicótico y determinar su influencia en los índices de recuperación y recaída a un año de seguimiento. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron 66 pacientes en su primer episodio psicótico que agrupados en psicosis afectivas y no afectivas. El diagnóstico se efectuó con el SCAN. Se registró la DPNT y se evaluó la severidad de los síntomas psicóticos y afectivos con instrumentos validados en nuestro medio. Resultados: Se observó mejoría sindromática global en los grupos diagnósticos. Los pacientes con DPNT larga presentaron menor ajuste psicosocial global y menor índice de recuperación. La suspensión del tratamiento fue el principal predictor de las recaídas. Conclusiones: la DPNT es un importante factor asociado al pronóstico. El modelo de los estudios de detección temprana permite reducir el tiempo que tarda en tratarse la psicosis, e identificar oportunamente a los pacientes que han tenido el primer episodio psicótico.

BACKGROUND: The delay on the onset of specific treatment has several prognostic implications for psychotic patients. Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) has been considered a prognostic variable. A longer DUP has been associated with a poor clinical outcome. OBJECTIVE: To determine the DUP in a sample of first-episode psychotic patients and its relationship with recovery and relapse on a one-year follow-up study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 66 first-episode psychotic patients was recruited and divided according to their diagnoses in affective and non-affective psychoses. Diagnoses were obtained with SCAN and DUP was registered for each patient. A clinical assessment for psychotic and affective symptoms was performed using standardized instruments. RESULTS: All patient studied showed clinical improvement during follow-up. Patients with a longer DUP showed poorer psychosocial adjustment and lower recovery indexes. Treatment suspension was the main variable associated with relapse. CONCLUSIONS: DUP is an important prognostic variable. Early detection programs are required to decrease the period between illness onset, diagnosis and treatment in first-episode psychotic patients.