Age at the onset of a first episode of psychotic mania: Does it have an impact on outcome?

Purpose Studies conducted in child psychiatry suggest that patients with earlier onset of psychosis have poorer outcome. Similar findings have been published regarding onset of bipolar disorder. However, few studies have been conducted in youth mental health program where these patients may actually receive treatment. Identification of subgroups with distinct need and outcome among first episode mania patients would facilitate the development of specific treatment strategies better suited to the actual needs of patients. Methods Sixty-seven patients with a first episode of psychotic mania were followed up over 12 months after recovery from this initial episode. Syndromic and symptomatic outcome were determined with the brief psychiatric rating scale, functional outcome with the quality of life scale and premorbid adjustment scale sub items. Results While 90% of patients achieved syndromic recovery (disappearance of manic syndrome) at 6 and 12 months, 40% had not recovered symptomatically, still presenting with depression and anxiety. Return to previous level of functioning was achieved only by 34% of patients at 6 months and 39% at 12 months. Age at the time of first manic episode with psychotic features was a significant predictor of recovery of functional level. Conclusions While manic symptoms reduce quickly in most patients after a first episode of psychotic mania, an important number of patients still display symptoms of depression and anxiety after 12 months and 2/3 do not reach functional recovery. Younger age at first episode predicts risk of poorer functional outcome.