DUP
Also written as: DUP — Duration of Untreated Psychosis
The time interval between the onset of psychotic symptoms and the initiation of adequate antipsychotic treatment.
Full Definition
Duration of Untreated Psychosis is a critical prognostic factor in schizophrenia and related disorders that measures the length of time between when psychotic symptoms first emerge and when effective treatment begins. Research consistently demonstrates that longer DUP is associated with poorer outcomes, including more severe symptoms, greater functional impairment, and reduced treatment response. DUP is typically measured in weeks or months and can range from days to several years. Factors contributing to prolonged DUP include lack of illness awareness, stigma, diagnostic delays, and limited access to mental health services. In clinical trials involving first-episode psychosis, DUP is often used as a stratification factor or prognostic variable, as it significantly influences treatment response and recovery trajectories.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as acronym; spell out on first use in clinical documents.
In Context
- "Participants were stratified by DUP duration (less than or greater than 6 months)." — Randomization procedure
- "The median DUP in this first-episode cohort was 12 weeks." — Baseline characteristics