Our results indicate that strategies to reduce DUP and achieve early response could improve remission rates in FEP patients.

The link between diabetes and psychotic illness previously reported in relatives of patients with schizophrenia and in medication-naive patients implies a possible genetic link between schizophrenia and abnormal glucose metabolism. However, the finding of low prevalence of obesity and dyslipidemia at the onset of illness suggests that the increased frequency of these abnormalities in patients is an effect of their antipsychotic medication.

The significant association between aggression and longer DUP once again reiterates the need for early detection and effective management of first-episode psychosis.

No abstract

There were significant increases in BMI, serum levels of triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol from baseline to 6 months. Mean increase in weight was 6.2+/-7.0 kg (p < 0.05) and 65% of the patients had clinically significant weight gain (i.e. > or =7% increase from baseline). On logistic regression lower baseline BMI, female gender, and younger age, were associated with clinically significant weight gain.