TY - JOUR
T1 - Duration of untreated psychosis and pathways to care in first-episode psychosis: Investigation of help-seeking behaviour in primary care
AU - Skeate, Amanda
AU - Jackson, Christopher
AU - Birchwood, Maximillian
AU - Jones, Christopher
PY - 2002/9/1
Y1 - 2002/9/1
N2 - Background Studies have consistently found that many individuals with first-episode psychosis experience significant delays before receiving treatment. Current research investigating treatment delays has focused on the relationship between demographic factors and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). However, treatment-seeking behaviours in this group have not been investigated. Aims To examine psychological processes that influence the decision-making process to contact primary care, in individuals with emerging psychosis. Method The influence of coping style, health locus of control and past health help-seeking behaviour on DUP was investigated in clients with a first episode of psychosis. This involved scrutiny of general practitioner (GP) records in an average of 6 years before the first treatment. Results Shorter DUP was associated with more frequent GP attendance in the 6 years before the onset of psychosis and lower health threat avoidant coping scores. Conclusions Patients with short DUP have a history of higher contact with their GP and, as a group, tend not to avoid health threats. The study underlines the importance of engaging young people and their families with primary care as one of a series of strategies to reduce DUP. Declaration of interest Unconditional funding from University of Birmingham.
AB - Background Studies have consistently found that many individuals with first-episode psychosis experience significant delays before receiving treatment. Current research investigating treatment delays has focused on the relationship between demographic factors and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). However, treatment-seeking behaviours in this group have not been investigated. Aims To examine psychological processes that influence the decision-making process to contact primary care, in individuals with emerging psychosis. Method The influence of coping style, health locus of control and past health help-seeking behaviour on DUP was investigated in clients with a first episode of psychosis. This involved scrutiny of general practitioner (GP) records in an average of 6 years before the first treatment. Results Shorter DUP was associated with more frequent GP attendance in the 6 years before the onset of psychosis and lower health threat avoidant coping scores. Conclusions Patients with short DUP have a history of higher contact with their GP and, as a group, tend not to avoid health threats. The study underlines the importance of engaging young people and their families with primary care as one of a series of strategies to reduce DUP. Declaration of interest Unconditional funding from University of Birmingham.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0036727105&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1192/bjp.181.43.s73
DO - 10.1192/bjp.181.43.s73
M3 - Article
SN - 1472-1465
VL - 181
SP - s73-s77
JO - British Journal of Psychiatry
JF - British Journal of Psychiatry
ER -