Levels Of Positive Symptoms Research Articles

The impact of cannabis use on age of onset and clinical characteristics in first-episode psychotic patients. Data from the Psychosis Incident Cohort Outcome Study (PICOS)

Cannabis use is frequent among first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients and has been associated with several clinical features. This study aimed in an FEP sample to determine whether cannabis use is associated with 1) a higher level of positive symptoms, a lower level of depression and a better premorbid adjustment, 2) an earlier age of onset, and a better premorbid IQ.The study was conducted within the framework of the Psychosis Incident Cohort Outcome Study (PICOS), a multisite collaborative research on FEP patients who attended the psychiatric services in Veneto Region, Italy. Standardized instruments were used to collect sociodemographic, clinical, and drug use data.A total of 555 FEP patients met the inclusion criteria, 517 of whom received an ICD-10 diagnosis of psychosis; 397 (55% males; mean age: 32yrs ± 9.5) were assessed. Out of these, 311 patients agreed to be interviewed on drug and alcohol misuse; 20.3% was positive for drug misuse: cannabis (19.0%), cocaine (3.9%), and hallucinogens (3.9%). Cannabis use was not associated with a higher level of positive symptoms, but correlated with less severe depressive symptoms. No relationship was observed between premorbid adjustment or IQ and cannabis use. FEP patients who used cannabis had an earlier age of onset than abstinent patients, even after adjusting for gender and diagnosis.Our results suggest a possible causal role of cannabis in triggering psychosis in certain vulnerable subjects. Particular attention must be paid to this behaviour, because reducing cannabis use can delay or prevent some cases of psychosis.

Increased stress reactivity: a mechanism specifically associated with the positive symptoms of psychotic disorder

An increased reactivity to stress in the context of daily life is suggested to be an independent risk factor underlying the positive symptoms of psychotic disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate whether positive symptoms moderate the association between everyday stressful events and negative affect (NA), known as stress reactivity. This hypothesis was put to the test in patients with a diagnosis of psychotic disorder. Method The Comprehensive Assessment of Symptoms and History (CASH) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were used to assess positive and negative symptoms. The experience sampling method (ESM), a structured diary technique, was used to measure stress reactivity and psychotic symptoms in daily life. Higher levels of positive symptoms (CASH: B=0.14, p=0.005; PANSS: B=0.05, p=0.000; ESM: B=0.03, p=0.000) and lower levels of negative symptoms (PANSS: B=-0.05, p=0.001) significantly moderate the association between unpleasant events and NA. No significant moderating effect was found for CASH negative symptoms. Moreover, the moderating effect of lifetime and current symptoms on the stress-NA association was significantly larger for those patients with predominantly positive symptoms (CASH: B=0.09, p=0.000; PANSS: B=0.08, p=0.000; ESM: B=0.13, p=0.000). Patients with a 'psychotic syndrome' with high levels of positive symptoms and low levels of negative symptoms show increased reactivity to stress in daily life, indicating that stress reactivity is a possible risk factor underlying this syndrome.

Consummatory and anticipatory anhedonia in schizophrenia: Stability, and associations with emotional distress and social function over six months

Recent work has suggested that anhedonia in schizophrenia can be understood as involving two separate constructs: deficits in anticipatory and consummatory pleasure. Little is known about the relative stability of these different constructs and their links with clinical features and social function over time. To examine these questions, 51 participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in a non-acute phase of illness were administered the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and Quality of Life Scale at two time points six months apart. Results revealed that baseline scores of both anticipatory and consummatory pleasure were significantly correlated with follow-up scores six months later, suggesting each construct is stable in the short term. The association of anticipatory pleasure at baseline and six months was significantly higher than the relationship between consummatory pleasure at baseline and at six months. Anticipatory pleasure predicted concurrent and prospective levels of positive symptoms, emotional discomfort, and interpersonal function, but not emotion recognition. Consummatory pleasure predicted only concurrent positive symptoms. The link of baseline anticipatory pleasure with emotional discomfort at six months persisted even after controlling for baseline emotional discomfort. Implications for the measurement and conceptualization of anhedonia in schizophrenia are discussed.

Clinical outcomes for psychotic and co-morbid patients admitted to acute psychiatric wards in four European centres – follow-up to 6 months

This study was conducted with the aim of identifying the outcome and characteristics of patients admitted to acute psychiatric wards with a diagnosis of psychotic illness and substance misuse. In this multi-centre collaborative and opportunistic study, patients were allocated into four cohorts based on the type of drug use and then were followed up 1 and 6 months later. The total PANSS score improved significantly by the 6 month follow-up in all but the cannabis using cohort, which initially had the lowest symptom level. All cohorts improved significantly in levels of general symptoms, and three out of the four groups improved in the levels of positive symptoms (the cannabis and other drug cohorts were nearing significance at p = 0.02). The biggest contrast between the groups was in the levels of negative symptoms. These improved only in the non-drug using cohort; however, even with this significant improvement, levels did not reach the lower levels initially evident in the cannabis only using cohort. Psy...

When to Hold That Thought: An Experimental Study Showing Reduced Inhibition of Pre-trained Associations in Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia encompasses a wide variety of cognitive dysfunctions, a number of which can be understood as deficits of inhibition. To date, no research has examined ‘conditioned inhibition’ in schizophrenia - the ability of a stimulus that signals the absence of an expected outcome to counteract the conditioned response produced by a signal for that outcome (a conditioned excitor). A computer-based task was used to measure conditioned excitation and inhibition in the same discrimination procedure, in 25 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia and a community-based comparison sample. Conditioned inhibition was measured by a ratio score, which compared the degree to which the inhibitory stimulus and a neutral control stimulus reduced conditioned responding to the excitatory cue: the lower the ratio, the greater the inhibitory learning. At test the ratios were 0.45 and 0.39 for patient and control groups respectively, and the relevant interaction term of the ANOVA confirmed that the degree of inhibition was reduced in the patient group, with an effect size of r = 0.28.These results demonstrate for the first time that inhibitory learning is impaired in schizophrenia. Such an impairment provides an attractive framework for the interpretation of the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. However, we were unable to demonstrate any relationship between the level of conditioned inhibition and medication. Similarly, in the present study it must be emphasised that the available data did not demonstrate any relationship between individual variation in inhibitory learning and the level of positive symptoms as measured by the PANSS. In fact inhibitory learning impairment was relatively greater in participants with a predominantly negative symptom profile and their excitatory learning was also reduced. Accordingly the next step will be to investigate such relationships in a larger sample with a priori defined sub-groups displaying predominantly positive versus predominantly negative symptoms.

Duration of untreated psychosis: Relationship with baseline characteristics and three-year outcome in first-episode psychosis

Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) has been considered as one of the few potentially malleable prognostic factors in psychotic illness. The literature demonstrated that prolonged DUP predicted the level of positive symptoms, but its relationships with negative symptoms and functional outcome were less clear-cut. Thus far, most first-episode studies have been conducted in western countries. Yet, it is known that illness outcome might be modified by socio-cultural factors. In this study, we aimed to examine the impact of DUP on baseline characteristics, clinical and vocational outcomes over 3 years in 700 Chinese young people who presented with first-episode psychosis to a specialized early intervention service in Hong Kong. Our results showed that prolonged DUP was associated with male sex, younger age of onset, schizophrenia-spectrum diagnosis, insidious development of psychosis, fewer baseline positive symptoms and less likelihood of hospitalization at intake. Regression analyses revealed that prolonged DUP was significantly predictive of outcome on positive symptoms, recovery and sustained full-time employment in our first-episode psychosis cohort. Taken together, our study provided further supportive evidence regarding the prognostic value of DUP on illness outcome. Additionally, it suggested that an adverse impact of treatment delay for psychosis may likely be applied across regions of various ethno-cultural backgrounds.

Group cognitive behavioural therapy for first episode psychosis: who's referred, who attends and who completes it?

Most national guidelines recommend psychological therapy for people with first-episode psychosis (FEP) but interventions proven effective in randomized control trials (RCTs) conducted in research settings do not always translate effectively to real-world clinical environments. In a limited health system, it is important to understand the system and patient barriers to participation in effective treatment. We sought to determine what patient characteristics influenced clinicians' decision to refer or not to refer to group cognitive behavioural therapy for FEP and what characteristics were associated with those referred attending/not attending and adhering/not adhering to the programme. Between 2006 and 2008, all cases of confirmed FEP from a defined geographical region were examined using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) diagnoses, the Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms, Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms, Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia and Birchwood Insight Scale. Duration of untreated psychosis was established using the Beiser Scale. Of the 124 (77 males, 47 females) people in the final sample, 88 (72%) were referred for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), 52 (59%) attended and 12 (23%) did not complete CBT. Those with higher levels of insight into the need for treatment (U = 740.00, z = -2.63, P = 0.008) and higher levels of positive symptoms (t (120) = -3.064, P = 0.003) were more likely to be referred to CBT. Those with higher educational attainment (χ(2) = 9.48, P = 0.03) and fewer negative symptoms, particularly in relation to global attention (t (85) = 2.32, P = 0.03), were more likely to attend and complete CBT. Within an early intervention service for FEP, it appears that individuals with less education, more negative symptoms and less insight experienced significant barriers to successfully completing group CBT. More information for referring clinicians about the benefits of CBT for FEP could help increase referral rates. Assertive outreach for people at risk of disengaging or non-adherence should also be considered.

Patient predictors of symptom and functional outcome following cognitive behaviour therapy or befriending in first-episode psychosis

BackgroundCognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for many, but not all, individuals with psychosis. An important goal is identifying individuals more likely to benefit from CBT to ensure appropriate delivery. The current study aimed to examine patient-related predictors of symptom and functional outcome following CBT and Befriending in first-episode psychosis (FEP). MethodOur original randomized controlled trial compared 14weeks of CBT (n=31) and Befriending (n=31) in FEP (Jackson et al. 2008). A series of regressions were conducted separately for each group to examine demographic, cognitive, symptoms/illness and functioning variables in predicting positive symptoms (BPRS Psychotic), negative symptoms (SANS Total) and functioning (SOFAS) at 1-year follow-up. ResultsIn the CBT group, higher baseline functioning (SOFAS) predicted lower levels of positive symptoms (R2=0.19; p=0.023), higher educational achievement and lower levels of avolition symptoms (SANS Avolition) predicted lower levels of total negative symptoms (R2=0.38; p=0.003), and working/studying at baseline predicted higher functional outcome (R2=0.35; p=0.004) at 1year. In the Befriending group, premorbid adjustment (PAS Average) was the only variable that predicted 1-year positive symptom (R2=0.26; p=0.010), negative symptom (R2=0.35; p=0.016) and functional (R2=0.48; p=0.002) outcome. ConclusionsFEP individuals with higher baseline functioning may benefit more from CBT than those with poorer functioning. Individuals with functional difficulties may benefit from alternative treatments initially, such as supported education or employment.

Depression and quality of life in first-episode psychosis

AimQuality of life (QOL) has gained recognition as a valid measure of outcome in first-episode psychosis (FEP). This study aimed to determine the influence of specific groups of depressive symptoms on separate domains of subjectively appraised QOL. MethodsWe assessed 208 individuals with first-episode non-affective psychosis using measures of diagnosis (Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition), symptoms (Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, and Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia), functioning (Global Assessment of Functioning), insight (Birchwood Scale), duration of untreated psychosis (Beiser Scale), and QOL World Health Organisation Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-Bref). We used multiple regression to determine the contribution of depressive symptoms to QOL domains while controlling for socio-demographic and other clinical characteristics. ResultsThere were complete data for 146 individuals with FEP. Quality-of-life domains were consistently predicted by depressive symptoms including depressive mood and hopelessness rather than biological symptoms of depression with those experiencing more depressive symptoms reporting worse QOL. Those who were treated as in-patients reported improved QOL, and hospitalization was an independent predictor of most QOL domains. In-patients displayed greater levels of positive symptoms with those involuntarily detained displaying greater levels of bizarre behavior, thought disorder, and delusions. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that QOL is heavily influenced by depressive symptoms at initial presentation; however, as QOL domains are also influenced by admission status with in-patients being more symptomatic in terms of positive symptoms, subjective QOL assessment may be compromised during the acute phase of illness by both positive and depressive symptom severity.

The role of treatment delay in predicting 5-year outcomes in an early intervention program

Past research on the relationship between treatment delay and outcomes for first-episode psychosis has primarily focused on the role of duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in predicting symptomatic outcomes up to 2 years. In the current study we examine the influence of both DUP and duration of untreated illness (DUI) on symptoms and functioning at 5 years follow-up while controlling for other early characteristics. A total of 132 patients with first-episode psychosis and treated in an early intervention program were prospectively followed up for 5 years. Outcomes assessed included positive and negative symptoms, overall functioning, weeks on disability pension and weeks of full-time competitive employment. While DUP showed a significant correlation with level of positive symptoms at follow-up, this was not independent of pre-morbid social adjustment. DUI emerged as a more robust independent predictor of negative symptoms, social and occupational functioning and use of a disability pension. Delay between onset of non-specific symptoms and treatment may be a more important influence on long-term functioning for first-episode patients than DUP. This suggests the possible value of treating such signs and symptoms as early as possible regardless of the effectiveness of such interventions in reducing likelihood or severity of psychotic symptoms.

Focusing on the adult attachment style in schizophrenia in community mental health centres: Validation of the Psychosis Attachment Measure (PAM) in a German-speaking sample

Assessing attachment style in people with schizophrenia may be important to identify a risk factor in building a strong therapeutic relationship and so indirectly to understand the development of mal-compliance as one of the major obstacles in the treatment of schizophrenia. The present study analysed the psychometric properties of the German version of the Psychosis Attachment Measure (PAM), which assesses avoidant and anxious attachment style. A sample of 127 patients suffering from chronic schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder participated in this study. In testing discriminant validity, we assessed psychopathology, depression, therapeutic relationship and service engagement. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and factor structure were analysed. The German version of PAM exhibited acceptable to good internal and test-retest reliabilities and the two-factor structure of the English version could be replicated. Avoidant attachment style was related to higher levels of positive symptoms and to a poorer therapeutic relationship. In the context of external validation, a regression analysis revealed that a poor therapeutic relationship correlated with avoidant attachment style, independent of anxious attachment style and depressive symptoms. Anxious attachment was associated with higher treatment adherence. Both insecure attachment styles (avoidant and anxious) were found to be correlated with higher levels of depression, but only attachment anxiety had an independent predictive value for self-reported depression in regression analysis. The German version of PAM displayed satisfactory psychometric properties and seems to be a reliable measure for assessing attachment style in individuals with schizophrenia. Validation of PAM led to the finding that only the avoidant attachment style might be a risk factor when building a strong therapeutic relationship in schizophrenia. In future studies, other factors influencing therapeutic relationship should be taken into account. Anxious attachment style may be a risk factor for depression, but it also has an enhancing effect on treatment adherence.

Symptom and functional outcomes for a 5 year early intervention program for psychoses

There continues to be controversy concerning the long term benefits of specialized early intervention programs (SEI) for psychotic disorders. Recent reports of five year outcomes for SEI programs indicate that benefits of early intervention programs at two year follow-up have disappeared at five years. The Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychoses (PEPP) in London, Ontario offers continuity of care for five years, with a lower intensity level of specialized intervention after the initial two years. In this paper we examine whether the outcomes observed at two years were maintained at five year follow-up. In addition, it was possible to compare PEPP outcomes with those of the OPUS project at two and five years.Results indicate that improvement of symptoms between entry into PEPP and two year follow-up were maintained at five years. In addition, there was further improvement in global functioning between two and five year follow-up. Comparison of PEPP outcomes at two and five year follow-up to those of OPUS suggest that longer term continuity of care within SEI is associated with continuing benefits at least with respect to level of positive symptoms and functioning.

Recovery Style Predicts Remission at One-Year Follow-Up in Outpatients With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

Although people with schizophrenia use various coping strategies, it is largely unknown how their coping style contributes to remission of the illness. The concept of recovery style-either by sealing over or integrating-reflects an important distinction. We wanted to examine whether recovery style predicts remission at a 1-year follow-up. We examined the recovery style, insight, therapeutic alliance, and symptoms in 103 patients with psychotic disorders. To assess the remission status, the symptoms were measured at 6 and 12 months. Logistic regression analyses were used. Results showed that scoring an extra category toward integration (six categories exist) increased the odds of remission 1.84-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 3.03). Insight and therapeutic alliance were not predictive. Although remission was also predicted by positive symptom levels at baseline, this did not influence the effect of recovery style. In conclusion, independently of symptom levels, insight, or therapeutic alliance, an integrating recovery style increases the odds of remission at a 1-year follow-up.

P01-523 - Coercive measures in italian inpatient units: results from eunomia study

IntroductionThe use of coercive measures in clinical practice represents a common, but understudied problem in Europe. In 2002–2005, the European Commission funded the study “European Evaluation of coercion in psychiatry and harmonization of best clinical practice” (EUNOMIA), coordinated by the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Dresden and carried out in 12 European countries.ObjectivesThis study, carried out on the Italian EUNOMIA sample, aims to:1)assess the use of coercive measures in five Italian mental health inpatient units;2)identify the patients’ socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the use of coercive measures;3)investigate the effect of coercive measures on the outcome of the patients.MethodsThe Italian sample included 294 admitted patients. Data were collected on coercive measures (physical restraint, seclusion and forced medication)ResultsAlmost 30% of the patients received coercive measures during their hospitalization; in particular, 22% received forced medication, 9% were restrained or fixed by mechanic devices, 7% were seclused. The most frequent reason for prescribing coercive measures was aggression against others. Patients who received coercive measures were more frequently male, with higher BPRS scores and a worse social functioning. At three months after discharge, they showed higher levels of positive symptoms, and reported more negative opinions on the need of hospital admission and on the appropriateness of psychiatric treatments.ConclusionsIn Italy coercive measures are in most of the cases applied to the patients affected by more severe psychopathology and disability.

Violence and phases of illness: Differential risk and predictors

This study tested the hypothesis that among patients with schizophrenia the risk and correlates of aggressive behavior differ depending on the level of positive symptoms. Two hundred and fifty-one adults with schizophrenia who were living in the community were assessed by psychiatrists using validated instruments. Patients and collaterals reported aggressive behavior. In a final multivariate model, aggressive behavior was significantly and positively associated with childhood conduct disorder, current use of illicit drugs, positive, threat-control-override (TCO), and depression symptoms. While 16% of the patients with two or fewer positive symptoms engaged in aggressive behavior in the previous six months, this was true of 28.4% of those with three or more positive symptoms ( X 2( n = 251,1) = 5.48, P = 0.019). Among patients with high positive symptoms, even univariate analyses failed to detect any factors associated with aggressive behavior other than medication non-compliance, typical antipsychotic medication, and clozapine. By contrast, among patients with few positive symptoms, aggressive behavior was associated with TCO and depression symptoms, young age, male sex, the number of childhood conduct disorder symptoms, prior aggressive behavior, and current illicit drug use. In phases of illness characterized by different levels of positive symptoms, the risk of aggressive behavior and the associated factors differ.

Therapeutic Alliance in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Schizophrenia: Association with History of Sexual Assault

History of sexual assault in schizophrenia has been suggested as a risk factor for psychosis and a graver course of illness. One possibility is that a history of this type of trauma affects responses to treatment by forming a barrier to a therapeutic alliance. To explore this possibility, we compared monthly ratings of therapeutic alliance for clients with schizophrenia with (n = 9) and without (n = 31) a history of sexual assault across 6 months of cognitive behavior therapy. Ratings were collected from clients and therapists and compared using a repeated measures analysis of variance controlling for level of positive symptoms. Results revealed that clients with a sexual trauma history produced lower overall rating of therapeutic alliance than clients without such a history. Therapist ratings of therapeutic alliance between both groups were not significantly different. Results suggest treatment may need to consider trauma histories as a barrier to therapeutic alliance.

Cannabis Use in Patients with a First Psychotic Episode and Subjects at Ultra High Risk of Psychosis: Impact on Psychotic- and Pre-Psychotic Symptoms

Co-morbidity with cannabis use disorder is common in patients with a psychotic disorder and is associated with adverse outcome. This study aimed to determine prevalence of cannabis use disorder among patients with a psychotic disorder and subjects at ultra high risk of psychosis and to study the influence of cannabis use on severity of (pre-)psychotic symptomatology, psychosocial functioning and variables related to the course of the disorder in these patients. In this study 169 consecutively assessed patients with a psychotic disorder were included as well as 59 consecutively assessed subjects at ultra high risk of psychosis. 45% of the patients with a psychotic disorder and 27% of the UHR patients were diagnosed with a co-morbid cannabis use disorder. Patients with cannabis use disorders did not differ from patients without cannabis use disorder in severity of psychotic symptoms. However, excluding patients with substance use disorder other than cannabis use disorder resulted in higher scores on positive symptom levels for patients with cannabis use disorder compared to patients without any substance use disorder. Regarding ultra high risk patients, subjects with cannabis use disorder did not differ from subjects without cannabis use disorder on severity of pre-psychotic symptomatology. However, a negative correlation was found between the amount of cannabis used recently and scores on the pre-psychotic negative subscale. Our results suggest a specific association between cannabis abuse and psychotic symptomatology.

Clinical and psychosocial significance of trauma history in schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Interest has arisen in the role stressors play in the development and outcome of schizophrenia. This article examines one such stressor – trauma experienced prior to the onset of illness. We discuss research on the incidence, types and correlates of trauma in schizophrenia, and review work suggesting trauma may increase risk for schizophrenia. Studies are further detailed that have examined links between trauma and heightened levels of positive symptoms and anxiety, and poorer social, vocational and treatment outcomes. Here, literature on approaches to addressing trauma among persons with schizophrenia is presented, along with a commentary that points to the need for research on how trauma might increase the risk for the development of schizophrenia and worsen the symptoms and treatment outcome of individuals in recovery from this illness.

Pre-morbid and outcome correlates of first episode mania with psychosis: Is a distinction between schizoaffective and bipolar I disorder valid in the early phase of psychotic disorders?

Objectives The validity of schizoaffective disorder (SA) diagnosis has for long been a matter of controversy and its delineation from bipolar I disorders (BD) has often been questioned. However, most studies have been conducted in chronic samples and have therefore been biased towards patients with poorer outcome, which may have hampered the possibility to identify significant differences between both diagnoses. Methods 108 subjects presenting a first DSM-III-R manic episode with psychotic features were assessed at baseline and 12 months after stabilisation on symptoms and functional characteristics, and patients with BD ( n = 87) were compared with those with SA bipolar subtype (SAB) ( n = 21). Results SAB patients had a higher prevalence of first degree relatives with schizophrenia and a lower premorbid functional level. They had a longer prodromal phase, a longer duration of untreated psychosis and remained symptomatic for a longer period. They also had higher levels of positive symptoms in the acute manic phase; however, with two exceptions, the type of psychotic symptoms were similar in both groups. At stabilisation and 12 months after stabilisation, SA patients had higher levels of negative symptoms, with poorer functional level at 12 months. Conclusions These data suggest SA is a valid diagnosis in the early phase of psychotic disorders considering it defines a subgroup of first episode psychotic mania patients with distinct characteristics compared to BD. While a dimensional approach to diagnosis may be more adapted to this phase of illness, SA disorder offers, in the context of categorical classifications, a useful intermediate category that reflects a clinical reality.

SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR AND INSIGHT IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

This paper presents the first published findings examining the relationship of social support to three-year symptom outcome and hospitalizations for a group of first episode patients with psychotic disorders. Social support was measured using items from the provider version of the Wisconsin Quality of Life Scale as assessed at the time of initiation of treatment for 113 patients. Outcome was assessed by level of positive and negative symptoms at three-year follow-up and number of psychiatric admissions during those three years. Higher levels of social support were found to correlate with lower levels of positive symptoms and few hospitalizations at follow-up. The relationship of social support to follow-up symptoms and hospitalization was independent of other potential predictors such as gender, age, premorbid adjustment and duration of untreated illness.