BACKGROUND: While recent research points to the potential benefits of clinical intervention before the first episode of psychosis, the logistical feasibility of this is unclear. AIMS: To assess the feasibility of providing a clinical service for people with prodromal symptoms in an inner city area where engagement with mental health services is generally poor. METHOD: Following a period of liaison with local agencies to promote the service, referrals were assessed and managed in a primary care setting. Activity of the service was audited over 30 months. RESULTS: People with prodromal symptoms were referred by a range of community agencies and seen at their local primary care physician practice. Over 30 months, 180 clients were referred; 58 (32.2%) met criteria for an at risk mental state, most of whom (67.2%) had attenuated psychotic symptoms. Almost 30% were excluded due to current or previous psychotic illness, of which two-thirds were in the first episode of psychosis. The socio-demographic composition of the 'at risk' group reflected that of the local population, with an over-representation of clients from an ethnic minority. Over 90% of suitable clients remained engaged with the service after 1 year. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to provide a clinical service for people with prodromal symptoms in a deprived inner city area with a large ethnic minority population.
BACKGROUND: While recent research points to the potential benefits of clinical intervention before the first episode of psychosis, the logistical feasibility of this is unclear. AIMS: To assess the feasibility of providing a clinical service for people with prodromal symptoms in an inner city area where engagement with mental health services is generally poor. METHOD: Following a period of liaison with local agencies to promote the service, referrals were assessed and managed in a primary care setting. Activity of the service was audited over 30 months. RESULTS: People with prodromal symptoms were referred by a range of community agencies and seen at their local primary care physician practice. Over 30 months, 180 clients were referred; 58 (32.2%) met criteria for an at risk mental state, most of whom (67.2%) had attenuated psychotic symptoms. Almost 30% were excluded due to current or previous psychotic illness, of which two-thirds were in the first episode of psychosis. The socio-demographic composition of the 'at risk' group reflected that of the local population, with an over-representation of clients from an ethnic minority. Over 90% of suitable clients remained engaged with the service after 1 year. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to provide a clinical service for people with prodromal symptoms in a deprived inner city area with a large ethnic minority population.
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Authors: P Fusar-Poli; M R Broome; P Matthiasson; J B Woolley; A Mechelli; L C Johns; P Tabraham; E Bramon; L Valmaggia; S C Williams; P McGuire Journal: Schizophr Bull Date: 2009-08-07 Impact factor: 9.306
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Authors: T H Zhang; H J Li; K A Woodberry; L H Xu; Y Y Tang; Q Guo; H R Cui; X H Liu; A Chow; C B Li; K D Jiang; Z P Xiao; L J Seidman; J J Wang Journal: Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci Date: 2016-04-08 Impact factor: 6.892
Authors: Scott W Woods; Jean Addington; Kristin S Cadenhead; Tyrone D Cannon; Barbara A Cornblatt; Robert Heinssen; Diana O Perkins; Larry J Seidman; Ming T Tsuang; Elaine F Walker; Thomas H McGlashan Journal: Schizophr Bull Date: 2009-04-21 Impact factor: 9.306
Authors: Frauke Schultze-Lutter; Stephan Ruhrmann; Julia Berning; Wolfgang Maier; Joachim Klosterkötter Journal: Schizophr Bull Date: 2008-06-25 Impact factor: 9.306