Duration of untreated psychosis and clinical outcomes of first-episode schizophrenia: a 4-year follow-up study.

Abstract

These findings show that despite having a similar level of psychotic symptoms - as measured by the BPRS - compared to patients with a short DUP, patients with schizophrenia who have a long DUP prior to initial treatment have poorer long-term social functioning. This confirms the clinical importance of the early recognition and treatment of individuals with chronic psychotic conditions.