Symptomatic and full remission rates in first-episode psychosis: A 12-month follow-up study in Korea

Aim: In the present study, the prevalence and predictors of symptomatic and full remission were investigated in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) at the 12-month follow-up. Methods: A total of 308 participants aged 18–45 years fulfilled the study inclusion criteria and 214 completed the 12-month follow-up. Results: At the 12-month follow-up, 67.3% (142) and 25.9% (55) of the FEP patients met the criteria for symptomatic and full remission, respectively. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed a shorter duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), no family history, lower Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) negative symptom scores at baseline and higher familial support predicted symptomatic remission at the 12-month follow-up. A higher educational level, shorter DUP, lower PANSS general symptoms scores at baseline and higher subjective well-being under neuroleptics emotional regulation scores predicted full remission. Conclusions: Our findings regarding the rates of symptomatic and full remission are consistent with previous studies. The results indicate a large discrepancy between symptomatic versus full remission rates at a 12-month follow-up in patients with FEP. Effective psychosocial interventions are necessary to improve the outcomes of FEP patients.