Comparison of characteristics of psyhosis patients with and without hospitalization at first episode

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hospitalization may cause psychological and social burden to patients and the society. One of the key aims of early intervention in psychosis is to reduce hospitalisation and promote recovery in the community. The current study compared the characteristics of psychosis patients with and without hospitalization at their first episode to explore the associated factors of hospitalization. METHODS: Patients, aged 26-55, with a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorders were recruited from the Jockey Club Early Psychoss Project in Hong Kong. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, including gender, age, educational level, age of onset, duration of untreated psychosis, symptoms and side effect, of patients with and without hospitalization at their first episode were compared. RESULTS: A total of 57.8% of patients with psychosis was hospitalized at their first episode. Baseline Hospitalization was associated with longer duration of untreated psychosis, higher dosage of antipsychotic treatment, more severe positive symptoms, less severe negative symptoms and more medication side effects. DISCUSSION: Inpatient treatment is common among patients with first episode psychosis in Hong Kong. Patients with hospitalization at their first episode of psychosis had different characteristics when compared to patients without hospitalization. Future study should explore the causal effect between these factors and hospitalization and its potential implication in early intervention services.