Lower functioning predicts identification of psychosis risk screening status in help-seeking adolescents

Abstract

There is some previous evidence suggesting that the risk state for psychosis is associated with decreased functioning ability, health-related quality of life (QoL), anxiety and depression. The aim of this study is to identify which factors predict psychosis risk screening status. The data were collected in Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland, by an early intervention team. One hundred eighty-one help-seeking adolescents (mean age 15.3 years) completed questionnaires of QoL (16D), alcohol consumption (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), hopelessness (BBeck Hopelessness Scale) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory II). Functioning ability was assessed by the Global Assessment of Functioning, whereas the PROD-screen was used to interview and assess risk symptoms for psychosis. In a logistic regression analysis, a lower functioning ability explained independently (P = 0.006) psychosis risk screening status after age, gender, alcohol consumption, QoL, anxiety, hopelessness and depression symptoms were adjusted. The present results suggest that lower functioning ability is associated independently with psychosis risk screening status. Hence, therapeutic input for those at risk should focus upon improving functioning.