BACKGROUND: Recent research indicates that early detection of young persons suffering from psychosis and subsequent intensive intervention enhances treatment response and prognosis, but the data are only preliminary and suggestive. METHOD: We present the rationale and design of the largest study to date to evaluate two major issues in the field of secondary prevention: (1) Does education and intensified collaboration with general practice, social services etc. reduce the duration of untreated psychosis? and (2) Can modified assertive community treatment improve the course and outcome in young persons suffering from psychosis as compared to treatment in community mental health centres? The article aims additionally to put the study in context and assist in designing future studies. RESULTS: Preliminary experiences are described. The findings of the first 312 patients show that modified assertive community treatment results in patients adhering to treatment significantly better than standard treatment in community mental health centres. CONCLUSION: The surge of interest in preventively oriented detection and treatment models for untreated psychosis in young people calls for research programmes and evidence. The obstacles to this are manifold. The initial findings of the OPUS study suggest, however, that better adherence to treatment is possible.
BACKGROUND: Recent research indicates that early detection of young persons suffering from psychosis and subsequent intensive intervention enhances treatment response and prognosis, but the data are only preliminary and suggestive. METHOD: We present the rationale and design of the largest study to date to evaluate two major issues in the field of secondary prevention: (1) Does education and intensified collaboration with general practice, social services etc. reduce the duration of untreated psychosis? and (2) Can modified assertive community treatment improve the course and outcome in young persons suffering from psychosis as compared to treatment in community mental health centres? The article aims additionally to put the study in context and assist in designing future studies. RESULTS: Preliminary experiences are described. The findings of the first 312 patients show that modified assertive community treatment results in patients adhering to treatment significantly better than standard treatment in community mental health centres. CONCLUSION: The surge of interest in preventively oriented detection and treatment models for untreated psychosis in young people calls for research programmes and evidence. The obstacles to this are manifold. The initial findings of the OPUS study suggest, however, that better adherence to treatment is possible.
Authors: Sarah R Uzenoff; David L Penn; Karen A Graham; Sylvia Saade; Barbara B Smith; Diana O Perkins Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2012-01-26 Impact factor: 4.328
Authors: Delbert G Robinson; Nina R Schooler; Christoph U Correll; Majnu John; Benji T Kurian; Patricia Marcy; Alexander L Miller; Ronny Pipes; Madhukar H Trivedi; John M Kane Journal: Am J Psychiatry Date: 2017-09-15 Impact factor: 18.112
Authors: Marjan Drukker; Myrte Maarschalkerweerd; Maarten Bak; Ger Driessen; Joost à Campo; Arthur de Bie; Giovanni Poddighe; Jim van Os; Philippe Delespaul Journal: BMC Psychiatry Date: 2008-12-04 Impact factor: 3.630