First episode psychosis: a novel methodology reveals higher than expected incidence; a reality-based population profile in Northumberland, UK.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To document the natural history/clinical course of an unselected population presenting with first episode psychosis across a Mental Health Trust.

METHOD: An observational database was set up covering all patients over 15 years of age. Data were collected at presentation and annual follow-up intervals.

RESULTS: A total of 227 patients presented during the 3 years initial study period with a first episode psychosis. The commonest diagnoses were psychotic depression 19%, paranoid schizophrenia 11%, persistent delusional disorder 7% and bipolar affective disorder 7.5% giving an annual incidence of 30.36 per 100 000 population. At presentation, half had been admitted to hospital, nearly half of whom were detained under the Mental Health Act, and only a quarter were currently employed. Twenty-six per cent had an episode of deliberate self-harm and 14% had harmed others. A recurring pattern emerged of over half the patients being no longer in contact with mental health services 1 year after presentation. Data collection is ongoing.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and managerial cooperation achieved a practical framework for data collection. This approach in an unselected population of patients yielded new insights into the course of first episode psychosis. The higher incidence than expected from the literature has implications for local strategic planning and provides a framework for detailed evaluation of a complex patient group.