A shorter duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is consistently associated with better symptom reduction, functioning, and remission in FEP.1 Individuals with a longer DUP present with more severe baseline symptoms, poorer functioning, and reduced early treatment response.2 Early detection and rapid initiation of antipsychotic treatment significantly improve both short- and long-term outcomes.1 Baseline differences linked to DUP persist over follow-up, with a long DUP predicting lower recovery rates and greater illness chronicity.2
FEP=first-episode psychosis