AIM: From January 2013, the Parma Department of Mental Health developed a specific protocol of care (the "Parma-Early Psychosis" [Pr-EP] program) as a diffused service for early intervention in psychosis. The aims of the present research are (a) to describe the Pr-EP macroscopic organization and (b) to analyse specific process indicators across the first 5 years from its establishment. METHODS: All participants were adolescent and adult help-seekers, aged 12-54 years, with a First Episode Psychosis (FEP) or at Ultra-High Risk for developing psychosis, according to well-defined diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: At baseline, 358 individuals were offered a dedicated protocol of care and only 40 (11.8%) dropped out during the first year of intervention. In particular, an increase of referrals over time was notably found (especially in adolescence). Furthermore, Duration of Untreated Psychosis decreased over time. The baseline prevalence of FEP diagnosis was 61.4%, with schizophrenia as markedly prevalent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders, IV edition, Text Revised (DSM-IV-TR) diagnosis (41%). The vast majority of UHR individuals met criteria for "Attenuated Psychotic Symptoms" (>90%), and major depressive disorder was the most frequent diagnosis (>55%). Finally, we found considerable percentages of current history of substance abuse (>58%) and of comorbidity with DSM-IV-TR personality disorders (60%). CONCLUSIONS: An "Early Intervention in psychosis" service in Italian child/adolescent and adult mental health services is feasible, also in adolescents, who have a high risk of falling through the child-adult service gap.
AIM: From January 2013, the Parma Department of Mental Health developed a specific protocol of care (the "Parma-Early Psychosis" [Pr-EP] program) as a diffused service for early intervention in psychosis. The aims of the present research are (a) to describe the Pr-EP macroscopic organization and (b) to analyse specific process indicators across the first 5 years from its establishment. METHODS: All participants were adolescent and adult help-seekers, aged 12-54 years, with a First Episode Psychosis (FEP) or at Ultra-High Risk for developing psychosis, according to well-defined diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: At baseline, 358 individuals were offered a dedicated protocol of care and only 40 (11.8%) dropped out during the first year of intervention. In particular, an increase of referrals over time was notably found (especially in adolescence). Furthermore, Duration of Untreated Psychosis decreased over time. The baseline prevalence of FEP diagnosis was 61.4%, with schizophrenia as markedly prevalent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders, IV edition, Text Revised (DSM-IV-TR) diagnosis (41%). The vast majority of UHR individuals met criteria for "Attenuated Psychotic Symptoms" (>90%), and major depressive disorder was the most frequent diagnosis (>55%). Finally, we found considerable percentages of current history of substance abuse (>58%) and of comorbidity with DSM-IV-TR personality disorders (60%). CONCLUSIONS: An "Early Intervention in psychosis" service in Italian child/adolescent and adult mental health services is feasible, also in adolescents, who have a high risk of falling through the child-adult service gap.
Authors: Andrés Estradé; Gonzalo Salazar de Pablo; Alice Zanotti; Scott Wood; Helen L Fisher; Paolo Fusar-Poli Journal: Transl Psychiatry Date: 2022-01-28 Impact factor: 7.989
Authors: Ricardo Coentre; Alexandra Fonseca; Tiago Mendes; Ana Rebelo; Elisabete Fernandes; Pedro Levy; Carlos Góis; Maria Luísa Figueira Journal: Ann Gen Psychiatry Date: 2021-07-06 Impact factor: 3.455