Predictors of Persistent Symptoms in People in Coordinated Specialty Care Services for Early Psychosis in New York State.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of persistent transdiagnostic symptoms in the first year of enrollment in OnTrackNY, a coordinated specialty care (CSC) program for individuals with recent-onset nonaffective psychosis.

METHODS

Three groups were defined by using the Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Centers Global Assessment of Functioning symptom subscale: persistently symptomatic, intermittent, and improving to moderate. The authors compared groups on baseline demographic characteristics, family and living situation, clinical measures, and pathways to care.

RESULTS

Of 1,129 eligible participants, 12% were persistently symptomatic through follow-up. Being medication nonadherent, being homeless, having a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and having a longer duration between symptom onset and program enrollment were predictive of persistent symptoms during the first year of CSC.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that despite intensive treatment, severe symptoms in young people with psychosis may persist because of economic barriers, treatment delays, and lack of stability.