Social support and functional outcomes in an early intervention program

Abstract

Objective: To examine social support at initiation of treatment of psychosis and after one year of treatment as predictors of functioning at five year follow-up.

Methods: Early social support was assessed for 132 patients. Follow-up assessments included number of weeks of full-time occupation, number of weeks on a disability pension and global assessment of functioning.

Results: One year ratings of social support better predicted occupational activity at follow-up than initial social support. Social support predicted functional outcomes independently of other early characteristics.

Conclusions: Findings support the importance of interventions to improve the level of support of individuals with psychotic disorders.