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Duration of untreated psychosis and pathways to care in first-episode psychosis

Investigation of help-seeking behaviour in primary care

Birmingham Early Intervention Service Northern Birmingham Mental Health Trust, UK

CHRIS JACKSON, PhD and MAX BIRCHWOOD, FBPsS

Birmingham Early Intervention Service and School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK

CHRIS JONES, ClinPsyD

School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK

Correspondence: Amanda Skeate, Birmingham Early Intervention Service, Harry Watton House, 97 Church Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 5UG, UK. Tel: 0121 685 6477; e-mail: A_Skeate{at}hotmail.com

Declaration of interest

Unconditional funding from University of Birmingham.

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.

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				S. LEWIS The European First-Episode Schizophrenia Network The British Journal of Psychiatry, September 1, 2002; 181 (43): s1 - s2. [Full Text] [PDF]