Predictors of long term use of psychiatric services of patients with recent-onset schizophrenia: 12 years follow-up

BACKGROUND The aim of study was to investigate predictors of long term use of psychiatric services of patients with recent-onset schizophrenia. METHODS A cohort of 50 clinically stable patients with recent-onset schizophrenia was included in a randomized controlled trial comparing early integrated treatment with treatment as usual. Recent onset was defined as emergence of psychotic symptoms for the first time during the preceding 2 years. The follow up period was from the date of randomization and until 12 years after termination of treatment trial, 14 years forward. RESULTS Score on Brief psychiatric rating scale both at baseline and after 2 years of treatment, suicide attempts during 2 years of treatment and being an inpatient during 2 years of treatment were significant predictors of long term use of services. CONCLUSION High score on Brief psychiatric rating scale, suicide attempts and being admitted as inpatient early in the course of schizophrenia are possible predictors of long term use of services. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00184509 . Registered 15 September 2005.