This study aims to determine the pre-admission clinical, socio-demographic characteristics and prodromes associated to a first psychotic episode
It's a retrospective observational study. Fifty five Tunisian patients admitted in Hedi Chaker hospital between 2007 and 2013 were recruited. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected and patients were diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria.
The mean age was 26.5. 61.8 %lived in a rural environment.
54.5% had a family history of psychiatric disorder. 12.7% had a history of head trauma
74.5% were schizoid, 1.8 % had avoidant personality disorder, and 1.8% had schizotypal personality disorder
10.9% suffered from irritability. 67.3% had anxiety .38.2% suffered from depression. 20% experienced mood fluctuations
29.1% had frequent fatigue; 10.9% had a loss of interest
18.2% complained about difficulties with concentration, 10.9% had difficulties of recall
14.5% had loss of appetite, 78.2% suffered from sleep disturbance, 23.6 % lost weight.
25.5% had marked impairment in personal hygiene and grooming .70.9% presented social isolation and withdrawal .7.3% had Impairment in role functioning .40% had odd believes.
Since there is a variety of unspecific signs which may precede a first psychotic episode and no specific biological markers; treating even with insufficient evidence may sometimes become an alternative.