Outcome study of early onset schizophrenia

• Main Authors: Esther, E., Jesjeet, S.G., Aili, H.H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2005
• Subjects: R Medicine
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/1966/1/4.PDF; http://eprints.um.edu.my/1966/; http://myais.fsktm.um.edu.my/7635/

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that often affects young people with an enormous impact not only on the patient and family, but society as a whole. The outcome of early onset schizophrenia is often poor with one quarter to one third having bad prognosis. Aims: The aims of this study were to observe the socipdemographic profile, the clinical presentation and to study the outcome of subjects presenting with first episode schizophrenia before the age of 18 years old. Method: This is a cross-sectional study of 100 consecutive patients diagnosed with early onset schizophrenia and who were followed up for at least two years or more in University Malaya Medical Centre. Results: About half of the subjects had an unfavorable outcome, who had significantly younger (<15 years old) age of onset of illness, longer duration of symptoms prior to their first contact, and impaired functioning. Conclusion: Strategies need to be implemented for early detection and intervention of schizophrenia especially those of early onset, so that subsequent disabilities can be prevented.