Social support and functional outcomes in an early intervention program.

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.