[Survey of demographic, illness and treatment variables of first-episode psychosis in patients admitted to Taleghani hospital, Tehran, Iran]

ABSTRACT

In recent years, a number of studies have been done on patients with first-episode of psychosis. The importance of this issue is to improve outcome of the psychosis. Due to lack of similar research in Iran and differences in culture as well as in treatment program, investigation of demographic characteristics and treatment of patients with first-episode of psychosis could be useful in planning standard treatment. The objective of the present study is to survey the current situation of patients admitted to a psychiatric ward. This study was a descriptive study on recorded data. Files of patients hospitalized in the psychiatric ward of Taleghani Hospital from 1379 to 1384 with first episode of psychosis were selected. Data comprising of demographic characteristics, course of illness and treatment variables was documented on a pre-designed form. SPSS program using Chi-square and T-Test statistics were used to analyze the data. Subjects were 75 patients, [64% male, 34% female], with age range between 17 to 72 years, [mean=31.3, mode=21], and 46.7% were married. 33.3% had suicidal thoughts or history of attempted suicide. 24% reported substance abuse. Three prevalent diagnoses were, bipolar disorder [32%], other psychoses [29.3%] and schizophrenia [14.7%]. 80% of patients were prescribed classical anti-psychosis medication. Results showed significant differences in the demographic characteristics and treatment plans between this group of Iranian patients and published research. Based on observed data, development of appropriate protocols for optimal management seems necessary. Due to incomplete information in clinical files, prospective studies are recommended