Procedure

Patients were included in the study randomly, as they were admitted in the psychiatric unit. In order to assess the participants’ level of understanding, the investigators explained the study purpose and methodology in simple terms. Next, the subjects had to respond to questions asked by the investigators related to the content that has just been disclosed. Participants were also asked to give feedback of how their involvement / non-involvement might affect their current situation. Subjects that were considered able to understand the purpose / methodology were presented with the written informed consent. Therefore, capacity testing on an individual basis was carried out by the investigators who observed if each participant understood the question and was able to provide an appropriate answer specific to the situation. All participants underwent a full psychiatric and physical examination. The intensity of the psychiatric symptoms was assessed with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) [33]. Psychiatric and medical history were recorded for each patient, in order to obtain data such as: prescribed psychiatric and non-psychiatric medication, co-morbid psychiatric or somatic illnesses, and duration of the psychosis (DP), defined as the time (in years) since first diagnosed psychotic episode. Liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase—ASAT, alanine transaminase—ALAT) and serum creatinine were measured to exclude liver and renal failure. The choice of the antipsychotic treatment was left to the psychiatrist supervising the patient.