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Understanding delay in treatment for first-episode psychosis
R M G Norman1, A K Malla, M B Verdi
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
Psychological Medicine
|February 26, 2004
Summary
Delays in seeking professional help and receiving treatment for psychotic disorders are equally significant. Interventions should target public awareness and healthcare provider education for earlier psychosis intervention.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Significant delays exist between the onset of psychotic disorder symptoms and the initiation of adequate treatment.
- This study investigates whether delays stem from individuals contacting health professionals or from treatment initiation post-contact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the components of treatment delay in patients with psychotic disorders.
- To identify factors contributing to delays in seeking and receiving care for psychosis.
Main Methods:
- Examined pathways to care in 110 patients at a Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychosis.
- Utilized structured interviews with patients and families, clinician consultations, and case record reviews.
Main Results:
- Both delay in contacting professionals and delay in treatment post-contact were significant.
- Younger age of onset and pre-existing care at psychosis onset were associated with longer delays from service contact to treatment.
Conclusions:
- Reducing treatment delay requires public education on psychosis symptoms and seeking care.
- Educating service providers to recognize psychosis and the benefits of early intervention is crucial.