Electroencephalographic abnormalities and 5-year outcome in first-episode psychosis.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relation of electroencephalographic abnormalities to 5-year outcomes in first-episode psychosis (FEP).

METHODS

Patients (n = 103) had their baseline electroencephalogram (EEG) classified by modified Mayo Clinic criteria. Symptoms and psychosocial functioning were rated after 5 years of treatment.

RESULTS

Dysrhythmic EEG was associated with persistence in positive and negative symptoms of psychoses and poorer psychosocial functioning at 5-year follow-up, independently of other characteristics, such as duration of untreated illness or premorbid adjustment. A higher percentage of people with comorbid substance use disorder had normal EEG.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal baseline EEG in FEP is associated with poorer 5-year symptomatic and functional outcome.