The effects of patient personality traits and family cohesion on the treatment delay for patients with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorder

Aim The duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is an important prognostic indicator of schizophrenia. We explored the effects of patient personality and family relationships on delayed schizophrenia treatment. Methods We prospectively included data from 169 patients diagnosed with first-episode schizophrenia. Personality traits were investigated using the Big Five Inventory (BFI-10) and family relationship was assessed employing the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale-III (FACES-III). We explored patient clinical characteristics using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Social and Occupational Functioning Scale (SOFAS). The DUP was defined as the time between the first appearance of psychotic symptoms and commencement of adequate antipsychotic treatment. Subjects were divided into two groups by the 3-month median DUP cutoff. Results The average and median DUPs were 12 and 3 months, respectively. A longer DUP was associated with older age, a higher PANSS score, and a lower SOFAS score. The frequency of suicide attempts tended to be higher in the delayed treatment group (P= .055). The delayed treatment group scored significantly higher in conscientiousness factor of the BFI-10 and scored significantly lower family cohesion and adaptability factors of the FACES-III. Logistic regression showed that a longer DUP was significantly associated with higher-level conscientiousness on the BFI-10 and poorer family cohesion on the FACES-III. Conclusion Treatment delay was associated with reduced family cohesion and higher patient conscientiousness, suggesting that the family plays a crucial role in terms of patient access to mental health services when early psychotic symptoms appear.