Predicting clinical and social outcome of patients attending 'real world' mental health services: A 6-year multi-wave follow-up study

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were: i) to determine changes in symptoms and social disability, and ii) to explore predictors of clinical and social outcome in patients receiving community-based mental health care. METHOD: A total of 354 patients treated in the South-Verona Community Mental Health Service were followed up over 6 years (with assessments made at baseline, 2 and 6 years) by using a set of standardized measures exploring psychopathology (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale) and social disability (Disability Assessment Schedule). Generalized linear latent and mixed models were used to explore longitudinal predictors of clinical and social outcome. RESULTS: Psychotic patients displayed clinical and social outcome characterized by complex patterns of exacerbation and remission over time; however, a clear trend towards a deteriorating course was not found, thus challenging the notion that psychotics are fatally prone to a destiny of chronicity. Non-psychotics reported a significant reduction in the core symptom of depression and in the observable physical and motor manifestations of tension and agitation, and a parallel increase in complaints about their physical health. Clinical and social dimensions of outcome are influenced by specific and different set of predictors. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm the need to implement naturalistic outcome studies conducted in the 'real world' services to inform decisions and strategies to be adopted in routine clinical practice.