Impact of Early Detection on Duration of Untreated Psychosis and Outcomes in Adults with First-Episode Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders in Denmark

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether a large early-detection program for psychosis in one Danish health region can shorten the time people with first-episode schizophrenia remain untreated and whether this reduction improves their later functioning. The study compares two regions Region Zealand, which uses public awareness campaigns and specialized early-detection teams, and the Capital Region, which provides usual care without these initiatives. Both regions offer identical specialized treatment through OPUS early-intervention services once patients begin care. The study uses a quasi-experimental design recruiting adults aged 18 to 35 with a first diagnosis of schizophrenia-spectrum disorder who have started OPUS treatment in either region. No experimental treatments are assigned participants receive standard clinical care. Researchers conduct interviews and assessments at baseline, 3, 9, and 15 months to measure the duration of untreated psychosis DUP and evaluate symptoms, functioning, cognition, suicidality, and treatment factors. Register data on education, employment, hospitalization, and family formation supplement these evaluations. Participants complete structured clinical interviews and psychometric tests at baseline and follow-ups to monitor their progress over two years. The primary outcomes include DUP measured with the Nottingham Onset Schedule and functioning assessed at 15 months. The study also compares different ways to define and measure DUP to understand its predictive value for outcomes. Data analysis adjusts for confounders and uses methods to handle missing data, aiming to clarify whether early detection shortens untreated psychosis and improves long-term outcomes.

TOPUS - Testing an Implemented Intervention to Reduce Duration of Untreated Psychosis