Social support predicts 5-year outcome in first-episode schizophrenia

J Abnorm Psychol. 1998 Nov;107(4):681-5. doi: 10.1037//0021-843x.107.4.681.

Abstract

Investigations of social support in schizophrenia have been relatively sparse. In this research, patients with 1st-episode schizophrenia or affective psychosis were asked to describe supportive social relationships immediately prior to their 1st lifetime treatment contact and were interviewed 18 months and 5 years later for assessment of their social and occupational functioning. The results indicated that 18-month adaptive functioning was lower than in the year prior to 1st treatment contact but at 5 years rose above that seen both at baseline and 18 months. Moreover, social support from nonfamily members of the social network predicted 5-year adaptive functioning in the schizophrenia (n = 54) group but not in the affective psychosis (n = 55) group. Support from family did not predict 5-year outcome in either group. Together, these findings replicate and extend earlier findings that social support predicts outcome in 1st-episode schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Bipolar Disorder / prevention & control*
  • Depressive Disorder / prevention & control*
  • Disease Progression
  • Family Relations
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Schizophrenia / prevention & control*
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Social Adjustment
  • Social Support*
  • Treatment Outcome