Outcome of First Episode Psychosis in Bangladesh-Report from A Pioneer Tertiary Referral Service

Abstract

Limited research exists looking at outcome data in First Episode Psychosis in low income countries. This prospective analytical study looks at remission rates in psychotic symptoms on Positive and Negative Symptom Score (PANSS) following first contact with a pioneer Early Intervention Service based at a tertiary referral center in Dhaka, Bangladesh (DEIS). The study found that the remission rate at 6 months was 62% on PANSS. The study also found that a shorter Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP) was positively correlated with improved remission rates at 3- and 6-months follow-up. As a secondary finding, the study established that 62% of individuals attending the service had attempted to access spiritual or traditional healers prior to entering into mental health services