Predictors of functioning in people suffering from first‐episode psychosis 1 year into entering early intervention service in Hong Kong

Aim To explore the changes of functioning in people suffering from first‐episode psychosis throughout their first year into an early intervention service, and the baseline predictors of their functioning levels at baseline, 6 and 12 months Method Consecutive subjects presenting to an early intervention service were recruited from 1 February 2013 to 31 May 2015. Information on their socio‐demographic status was collected. Structured instruments were used to assess their premorbid functioning, duration of untreated psychosis, psychopathology and insight at baseline. Psychosocial functioning was assessed by Social Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) and Role Functioning Scale at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Results A total of 269 subjects were recruited. The mean baseline scores for SOFAS were 53.1 (standard deviation = 13.6) and 21.5 (standard deviation = 4.0), respectively. Positive and negative psychopathology, insight and mode of onset were significant factors associated with baseline functioning. Functioning by both instruments showed significant improvement after 6 months, and the gains were maintained at 12 months. For SOFAS, baseline insight (P = 0.008), education attainment (P = 0.016) and its own baseline score (P = 0.024) were predictive at 6 months, while for 12 months, only education attainment was predictive (P = 0.008). For Role Functioning Scale, its baseline score (P = 0.034) was predictive at 6 months, while at 12 months, only female gender predicted better role functioning. Conclusion Factors predictive of functioning levels at the three time points were different. Phase‐specific intervention should be offered to enhance functional recovery of people with first‐episode psychosis.