Subjective quality of life in first-episode psychosis: A ten year follow-up study

Erlend Strand Gardsjord, Kristin Lie Romm, Svein Friis, Helene Eidsmo Barder, Julie Evensen, Ulrik Haahr, Wenche Ten Velden Hegelstad, Inge Joa, Jan Olav Johannessen, Johannes Langeveld, Tor Ketil Larsen, Stein Opjordsmoen, Bjørn Rishovd Rund, Erik Simonsen, Per Vaglum, Thomas McGlashan, Ingrid Melle, Jan Ivar Røssberg

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Subjective quality of life (S-QoL) is an important outcome measure in first episode psychosis (FEP). The aims of this study were to describe S-QoL-development the first 10-years in FEP patients and to identify predictors of this development. Methods: A representative sample of 272 patients with a first episode psychotic disorder was included from 1997 through 2000. At 10 year follow-up 186 patients participated. QoL was measured by the Lehman's Quality of Life Interview. Linear mixed model analyses were performed to investigate longitudinal effects of baseline psychiatric symptoms and socio-economic variables and the effects of changes in the same variables on S-QoL-development. Results: S-QoL improved significantly over the follow-up period. More contact with family and a better financial situation at baseline had a positive and longstanding effect on S-QoL-development, but changes in these variables were not associated with S-QoL-development. Higher depressive symptoms and less daily activities at baseline both had a negative independent effect, but a positive interaction effect with time on S-QoL-development indicating that the independent negative effect diminished over time. In the change analysis, increased daily activities and a decrease in depressive symptoms were associated with a positive S-QoL-development. Conclusions: Treatment of depressive symptoms and measures aimed at increasing daily activities seem important to improve S-QoL in patients with psychosis. More contact with family and a better financial situation at baseline have a long-standing effect on S-QoL-development in FEP patients.

Original languageEnglish
JournalSchizophrenia Research
Volume172
Issue number1-3
Pages (from-to)23-8
Number of pages6
ISSN0920-9964
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2016

Keywords

  • Journal Article

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