Abstract
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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 372-378 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | European Psychiatry |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 5-6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2005 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Dr. Mark Ashworth helped set up the service. Ms. Corinne Prescott and Mrs. Sandra Whitehead provided administrative support. Professor Philippa Garety and Professor Elizabeth Kuipers supervised the clinicians providing psychological treatment. The study was supported by the Mental Health Foundation and Guy's and St Thomas' Charitable Foundation. Dr. Elvira Bramon is a Wellcome Research Training Fellow. Thanks go to all the clients in OASIS and our referrers, especially the Lambeth Early Onset (LEO) psychosis service.
Keywords
- Clinical
- OASIS
- Prodromal
- Psychosis
- Risk
- Service
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health