A 20-Year Follow-up of First Episode Psychosis: Longitudinal Effects of Early Treatment Strategies and Relapse
Navigating the Longitudinal Effects of Early Treatment Strategies and Relapse on Clinical, Cognitive, and Functional Outcomes: A 20-Year Follow-up of First Episode Psychosis
The University of Hong Kong
178 participants
May 21, 2026
OBSERVATIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The study aims to address the following questions: 1. Do subgroups defined by early medication choices, relapse, and medication taken over 20 years differ in clinical, cognitive, and functional outcomes? 2. What are the long-term cognitive functioning trajectories, what factors predict these trajectories, and how do they relate to outcomes? 3. What might be the mechanisms behind medication discontinuation and poor long-term outcome, including the roles of multiple relapses and treatment resistance after first-episode psychosis? Eligible patients will be invited to a one-time face-to-face interview. A trained research assistant will guide the participants through questions about their background, clinical symptoms, daily functioning, cognitive abilities, and psychological well-being.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- A diagnosis of schizophrenia or non-affective psychosis (schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, brief psychotic disorder, or psychosis not otherwise specified) (DSM-IV)
- Aged 18 to 65 years at the time of original enrolment
- Had been treated with antipsychotic drugs for at least 12 months
- No history of relapse or exacerbation or had to be asymptomatic (free of positive symptoms of psychosis) at study entry.
Exclusion Criteria4
- A diagnosis of drug-induced psychosis
- Current treatment with clozapine, with mood stabilizing medications (lithium, valproate or carbamazepine) or with depot medication
- Had high risk of suicide or violence
- Inability to provide informed consent at recruitment
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07616999