DUP
Pronunciation: D-U-P
Also written as: DUP — Duration of Untreated Psychosis
Duration of Untreated Psychosis - the time period between onset of psychotic symptoms and initiation of adequate antipsychotic treatment.
Full Definition
Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP) is a critical prognostic indicator in schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, measured from the emergence of positive psychotic symptoms until the start of effective antipsychotic medication. Research consistently shows that longer DUP correlates with worse long-term outcomes, including greater cognitive decline and poorer functional recovery. This metric is increasingly important in early intervention psychiatry and appears frequently in research publications and clinical outcome studies.
Usage
Usage note: Always expand on first use in clinical documentation. Distinguish from broader 'duration of untreated illness.'
In Context
- "The study found that patients with DUP exceeding six months had significantly worse cognitive outcomes." — research manuscript
- "Early intervention services aim to minimize DUP through rapid access pathways." — clinical guideline