OBJECTIVE: To determine the number of attempts it took before patients with a first episode of psychosis received adequate help, the signs or symptoms that led them to seek help and the people from whom they attempted to seek help. METHOD: Subjects were 86 individuals with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, mainly schizophrenia, who were attending a comprehensive program for early psychosis treatment. RESULTS: Help-seeking attempts began in the prodromal phase of the illness and continued into the psychotic phase. Concerning behaviours ranged from more general symptoms to psychotic symptoms. A range of contacts were made early on but emergency services were most often the contact that helped individuals obtain appropriate treatment for psychosis. CONCLUSION: Improved public education and gatekeeper education might reduce the time required for individuals developing a psychosis to receive timely and adequate care.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the number of attempts it took before patients with a first episode of psychosis received adequate help, the signs or symptoms that led them to seek help and the people from whom they attempted to seek help. METHOD: Subjects were 86 individuals with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, mainly schizophrenia, who were attending a comprehensive program for early psychosis treatment. RESULTS: Help-seeking attempts began in the prodromal phase of the illness and continued into the psychotic phase. Concerning behaviours ranged from more general symptoms to psychotic symptoms. A range of contacts were made early on but emergency services were most often the contact that helped individuals obtain appropriate treatment for psychosis. CONCLUSION: Improved public education and gatekeeper education might reduce the time required for individuals developing a psychosis to receive timely and adequate care.
Authors: Judith Rietdijk; Marjolein Fokkema; Daniel Stahl; Lucia Valmaggia; Helga K Ising; Sara Dragt; Rianne M C Klaassen; Dorien H Nieman; Rachel Loewy; Pim Cuijpers; Philippe Delespaul; Don H Linszen; Mark van der Gaag Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2013-10-15 Impact factor: 4.328
Authors: Michael T Compton; Sandra M Goulding; Claire E Ramsay; Jean Addington; Cheryl Corcoran; Elaine F Walker Journal: Clin Neuropsychiatry Date: 2008-12