A longitudinal study of psychosis due to a general medical (neurological) condition: establishing predictive and construct validity

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 1998 Fall;10(4):448-52. doi: 10.1176/jnp.10.4.448.

Abstract

A sample of 44 patients with a neurological disorder and a DSM-IV diagnosis of Psychosis due to a General Medical Condition were followed on average for 4 years and their response to treatment and clinical course noted. Outcome was more benign than in schizophrenia, with most patients having a brief duration of psychosis and good response to small doses of neuroleptics. One-fourth of patients suffered a single, brief psychotic episode with return to full premorbid function. None required maintenance neuroleptic treatment. The outcome and descriptive profile of the disorder also differed from late-onset schizophrenia. Thus, Psychosis due to a General Medical (Neurological) Condition does appear to have predictive validity. However, no temporal association was found between the neurological illness and psychosis. Possible reasons for this are discussed.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nervous System Diseases / complications*
  • Nervous System Diseases / psychology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prospective Studies
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotic Disorders / etiology*
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Treatment Outcome