Utilising symptom dimensions with diagnostic categories improves prediction of time to first remission in first-episode psychosis

There has been much recent debate concerning the relative clinical utility of symptom dimensions versus conventional diagnostic categories in patients with psychosis. We investigated whether symptom dimensions rated at presentation for first-episode psychosis (FEP) better predicted time to first remission than categorical diagnosis over a four-year follow-up. The sample comprised 193 FEP patients aged 18 –65years who presented to psychiatric services in South London, UK, between 2006 and 2010. Psychopathology was assessed at baseline with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and five symptom dimensions were derived using Wallwork/Fortgang's model; baseline diagnoses were grouped using DSM-IV c odes.

Source: Schizophrenia Research - July 25, 2017 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Olesya Ajnakina, John Lally, Marta Di Forti, Simona A. Stilo, Anna Kolliakou, Poonam Gardner-Sood, Paola Dazzan, Carmine Pariante, Tiago Reis Marques, Valeria Mondelli, James MacCabe, Fiona Gaughran, Anthony S. David, Daniel Stamate, Robin M. Murray, Hele Source Type: research