There is a relative dearth of studies assessing the course of early onset psychoses especially other than schizophrenia.

Follow-up assessment of level of functioning in early onset psychosis.

Analysis of the course and outcome in early onset psychoses. Assessment of prognostic significance of psychopathological symptoms profile in the early course of illness.

144 patients with schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis (F20 - F29 according to International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision ICD-10), hospitalized in the period June 1998 - June 2008 in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department was interviewed a mean 7.3 years after the index hospitalization. During interview data concerning course of illness after discharge and present level of functioning were obtained. For 50 of the patients with available results of baseline assessment with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale these data were also analyzed.

Mean age at the index hospitalization was 16.9 years, mean age at the follow-up assessment 24,3 years. Psychotropic drugs were currently receiving 72% of patients. In some kind of educational or vocational activity were engaged 68% of patients. Mortality rate was 2%. Baseline diagnosis of schizophrenia was associated with higher number of hospitalizations, current pharmacotherapy and lower probability of being in romantic relationship. Negative symptoms present during index hospitalization were associated with more intensive further treatment, but not with the current level of functioning.

Baseline diagnosis and baseline level of negative symptoms were associated with mental health services utilization but had little impact on functional outcome.