[Early intervention for emerging mental illness in young adults : the Geneva model]

Mental illness often emerges in young adulthood, usually before the age of 25 years. Early detection and intervention have a positive impact on the evolution of mental illness and quality of life. Specific interventions for this age group are recommended with a focus on ease of access to health care, adaptation to problems facing the young adult, using an integrated medical psycho-social approach. Furthermore, for this population, determination of a specific medical diagnosis does not seem essential, the concept of early stages of mental illness with less specific symptoms often being more useful. The Young Adult Psychiatry Unit in Geneva is built around these concepts and aims to offer, for the young adult with emerging mental illness, a large range of mental health services that are easily accessible.