Perceived negative attitude of others predicts transition to psychosis in patients at risk of psychosis

Abstract

Aim: Our previous study (Salokangas et al., 2009) suggested that the subjective experience of negative attitude of others (NAO) towards oneself is an early indicator of psychotic development. The aim of this prospective follow-up study was to test this hypothesis.

Methods: A total of 55 young psychiatric outpatients assessed as being at current risk of psychosis (CROP) were followed for up to 60 months and rates of transition to psychosis (TTP) identified. CROP was assessed employing the Bonn Scale for assessment of basic symptoms (Schultze-Lutter and Klosterkötter, 2002) and the Structured Interview for prodromal symptoms (Miller et al., 2002). TTP was defined by a psychotic episode lasting for more than one week. Associations between NAO at baseline and TTP were analyzed by a Cox regression survival analysis.

Results: Eight (14.5%) TTP were identified: four (57.1%) within seven NAO patients and four (8.7%) within forty-six non-NAO patients. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, NAO at baseline significantly (P=0.007) predicted TTP.

Conclusion: The prospective follow-up results support our hypothesis that subjective experience of NAO is an early indicator of psychotic in development.