Clinical characteristics of first episode psychosis: a retrospective study in AL Ain, United Arab Emirates

ABSTRACT

The primary aim of this work was to examine the socio-demographic, clinical correlates, the effect of medical treatment on the first episode psychosis in an Arabic country. A retrospective case note review, looking at first episode psychosis who were admitted to the in-patient psychiatric ward in Al Ain general hospital over 5 years. 161 patients with first episode psychosis were reviewed. In the 5-year period under the study, 161 aged 13-45 years with history of first episode psychosis were admitted to the psychiatric ward. They established a different clinical diagnoses according to ICD 10 69 patients [42.9%] had a diagnosis of acute psychotic episode, 35 patients [21.7%] had a diagnosis of manic episode, 31 patients [19.3%] had a diagnosis of schizophrenia, 16 [9.9%] had depression with psychotic symptoms, 3 [1.9%] drug dependence, 1 [0.6%] persistent delusional disorder, and in 6 [3.7%] patients the data were missing. The mean age was 27.5 years [13-45 years] [SD=6.6], male/female ratio [1 10/49, 68.3%/30.4%]. There was a significant relationship between duration of untreated psychosis [DUP] and outcome, where the longer the DUP the more existence of residual symptoms on discharge [chi 2 =18.515, df=6, p=. 005]. In addition there was a significant relationship between social withdrawal symptom prior to admission and residual symptoms on discharge. Results of this study indicate that DUP, clinical features and type of medications may determine the outcome of first episode psychosis