Aetiology and Ethnicity in Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses (AESOP-10)

Aims
The Aetiology and Ethnicity in Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses (AESOP-10) study is a 10-year follow up of an epidemiologically characterized sample of 535 individuals initially studied during their first episode of psychosis that aims to identify the factors that predict the course and outcome of psychosis following a first episode, focusing specifically on the role of biological and social risk indicators, cannabis use, and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). The study also works to examine and explain the differences in the course and outcome of psychosis in Black and White patients in the decade following a first episode of psychosis.

Institution
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London

Geographic coverage - Nations
England

Geographic coverage - Regions
South London; Nottingham; Bristol (Baseline Only)

Start date
2007

Catalogue record last updated
10/04/2024

Sample type
Cohort study

Sample details
The study sample comprises all patients with a first episode of psychosis who presented to secondary and tertiary services within catchment areas in south-east London, Nottingham and Bristol over defined time periods. The inclusion criteria for cases were age between 16 and 65 years; resident within catchment areas; presence of a first episode of psychosis within the time frame of the study; and no previous contact with health services for psychosis. Exclusion criteria were: evidence of psychotic symptoms precipitated by an organic cause or resulting from acute intoxication; and IQ less than 50. A team of researchers was involved in regularly checking all points of potential patient contact with secondary and tertiary health services in the catchment areas. At the end of the period of case recruitment, a leakage study was conducted to identify further potential cases initially missed. A random sample of healthy community controls were also recruited at baseline but were not re-contacted at follow up.

Sample size at recruitment
532 (Baseline)

Sample size at most recent sweep
219 (2010 - 10 year follow-up)

Sex
All

Age at recruitment
16-65 years

Cohort year of birth
1932-84