What Predicts Two-Year Outcome of Childhood Psychosis?

To identify possible predictors of longitudinal course after a first episode of psychosis, investigators examined behavioral, antioxidant, genetic, and neuroimaging measurements in children ages 9 to 17 years (mean age, 15) with a psychosis episode lasting <6 months.

Of 110 children identified at baseline, 83 (75%) participated in assessments 2 years later. Baseline diagnoses were schizophrenia (8%), bipolar disorder (12%), and other (78%; e.g., schizoaffective disorder). At 2 years, 10% of participants scored in the severe range on the primary outcome measure, the Children's Global Assessment Scale; 27% scored in the healthy range. Better outcomes occurred in those with shorter duration of baseline episodes, better baseline social and acade…