Determinants of negative pathways to care and their impact on service disengagement in first-episode psychosis

Purpose

Although there have been numerous studies on pathways to care in first-episode psychosis (FEP), few have examined the determinants of the pathway to care and its impact on subsequent engagement with mental health services.

Methods

Using a sample of 324 FEP patients from a catchment area-based early intervention (EI) program in Montréal, we estimated the association of several socio-demographic, clinical, and service-level factors with negative pathways to care and treatment delay. We also assessed the impact of the pathway to care on time to disengagement from EI services.

Results

Few socio-demographic or clinical factors were predictive of negative pathways to care. Rather, service-level factors, such as contact with primary care providers, have a stronger impact on patterns of health service use across multiple indicators. Patients who were in contact with primary care had a reduced likelihood of negative pathways to care, but also had longer referral delays to EI services. Socio-demographic and clinical factors were more relevant for predicting subsequent engagement with EI services, and indicators of negative pathways to care were not associated with service disengagement.

Conclusions

Primary care providers may be an efficacious target for interventions aimed at reducing overall treatment delay. Increasing the uptake of primary care services may also reduce the likelihood of negative pathways to care. Our findings draw attention to the need for further investigations of the role that the primary care system plays in early intervention for FEP, and strategies for supporting service providers in this role.     

A Comparison of Vocational Engagement Among Young People with Psychosis,Depression and Borderline Personality Pathology

Poor vocational engagement is well documented among young people experiencing first-episode psychosis (FEP). The aim of the present study was to establish and compare rates of vocational engagement across young people with first-episode psychosis, depression, and borderline personality pathology. A file audit was used to collect vocational data of young people aged 15–25 entering tertiary mental health treatment in 2011. Rates of vocational engagement were similar across groups, indicating that like those with FEP, young people with depression and borderline personality pathology experience impaired vocational engagement and are in need of targeted vocational interventions. Post hoc analysis indicated that that the depression group had significantly more people who were partially vocationally engaged compared with the psychosis group, suggesting that vocational interventions might need to be targeted differently across different diagnostic groups. Future research should explore risk factors for vocational disengagement across diagnostic groups in order to inform intervention development.     

Disengagement from mental health services

This paper reviews the literature on disengagement from mental health services examining how the terms engagement and disengagement are defined, what proportion of patients disengage from services, and what sociodemographic variables predict disengagement. Both engagement and disengagement appear to be poorly conceptualised, with a lack of consensus on accepted and agreed definitions. Rates of disengagement from mental health services vary from 4 to 46%, depending on the study setting, service type and definition of engagement used. Sociodemographic and clinical predictors of disengagement also vary, with only a few consistent findings, suggesting that such associations are complex and multifaceted. Most commonly reported associations of disengagement appear to be with sociodemographic variables including young age, ethnicity and deprivation; clinical variables such as lack of insight, substance misuse and forensic history; and service level variables such as availability of assertive outreach provision. Given the importance of continuity of care in serious mental disorders, there is a need for a consensual, validated and reliable measure of engagement which can be used to explore associations between patient, illness and service related variables and can inform service provision for difficult to reach patients.     

The rates and determinants of disengagement and subsequent re-engagement in young people with first-episode psychosis

Background

A core component of treatment provided by early intervention for psychosis (EI) services is ensuring individuals remain successfully engaged with the service. This ensures they can receive the care they may need at this critical early stage of illness. Unfortunately, rates of disengagement are high in individuals with a first episode of psychosis (FEP), representing a major barrier to effective treatment. This study aimed to ascertain the rates and determinants of disengagement and subsequent re-engagement of young people with FEP in a well-established EI service in Melbourne, Australia.

Method

This cohort study involved all young people, aged 15–24, who presented to the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) service with FEP between 1st January 2011 and 1st September 2014. Data were collected retrospectively from clinical files and electronic records. Cox regression analysis was used to identify determinants of disengagement and re-engagement.

Results

A total of 707 young people presented with FEP during the study period, of which complete data were available for 700. Over half of the cohort (56.3%, N = 394) disengaged at least once during their treatment period, however, the majority of these individuals (85.5%, N = 337) subsequently re-engaged following the initial episode of disengagement. Of those who disengaged from the service, 54 never re-engaged, representing 7.6% of the total cohort. Not being in employment, education or training, not having a family history of psychosis in second degree relatives and using cannabis were found to be significant predictors of disengagement. No significant predictors of re-engagement were identified.

Conclusion

In this study, the rate of disengagement in young people with first-episode psychosis was higher than found previously. Encouragingly, rates of re-engagement were also high. The concept of disengagement from services might be more complex than previously thought with individuals disengaging and re-engaging a number of times during their episode of care. What prompts individuals to re-engage with services needs to be better understood.

     

Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Multi-Element Psychosocial Intervention for First-Episode Psychosis: Results From the Cluster-Randomized Controlled GET UP PIANO Trial in a Catchment Area of 10 Million Inhabitants

Integrated multi-element psychosocial interventions have been suggested to improve the outcomes of first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients, but they have been studied primarily in experimental settings and in nonepidemiologically representative samples. Thus, we performed a cluster-randomized controlled trial, comparing an integrated multi-element psychosocial intervention, comprising cognitive behavioral therapy, family intervention, and case management, with treatment as usual (TAU) for FEP patients in 117 community mental health centers (CMHCs) in a large area of northern Italy (10 million inhabitants). The randomized units (clusters) were the CMHCs, and the units of observation the patients (and, when available, their family members). The primary hypotheses were that add-on multicomponent intervention: (1) results in greater improvements in symptoms, as assessed with positive and negative syndrome scale and (2) reduces in-hospital stay, based on days of hospitalization over the 9-month follow-up. Four hundred and forty-four FEP patients received the intervention or TAU and were assessed at baseline and 9 months. Based on the retention rates of patients (and families) in the experimental arm, multi-element psychosocial interventions can be implemented in routine mental health services. Regarding primary outcomes, patients in the experimental arm showed greater reductions in overall symptom severity, while no difference could be found for days of hospitalization. Among the secondary outcomes, greater improvements were detected in the experimental arm for global functioning, emotional well-being, and subjective burden of delusions. No difference could be found for service disengagement and subjective burden of auditory hallucinations. These findings support feasibility and effectiveness of early interventions for psychosis in generalist mental health services.Key words: schizophrenia, early psychosis, outcome assessment, cognitive behavioral therapy, family intervention     

Disengagement From Mental Health Treatment Among Individuals With Schizophrenia and Strategies for Facilitating Connections to Care: A Review of the Literature

Disengagement from mental health services can lead to devastating consequences for individuals with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses who require ongoing treatment. We review the extent and correlates of dropping out of mental health treatment for individuals with schizophrenia and suggest strategies for facilitating treatment engagement. Although rates vary across studies, reviews of the literature suggest that up to one-third of individuals with serious mental illnesses who have had some contact with the mental health service system disengage from care. Younger age, male gender, ethnic minority background, and low social functioning have been consistently associated with disengagement from mental health treatment. Individuals with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders, as well as those with early-onset psychosis, are at particularly high risk of treatment dropout. Engagement strategies should specifically target these high-risk groups, as well as high-risk periods, including following an emergency room or hospital admission and the initial period of treatment. Interventions to enhance engagement in mental health treatment range from low-intensity interventions, such as appointment reminders, to high-intensity interventions, such as assertive community treatment. Disengagement from treatment may reflect the consumer''s perspective that treatment is not necessary, is not meeting their needs, or is not being provided in a collaborative manner. An emerging literature on patient-centered care and shared decision making in psychiatry provides suggestive evidence that efforts to enhance client-centered communication and promote individuals’ active involvement in mental health treatment decisions can also improve engagement in treatment.     

Clinical and sociodemographic comparison of people at high‐risk for psychosis and with first‐episode psychosis

Zimbrón J, Ruiz de Azúa S, Khandaker GM, Gandamaneni PK, Crane CM, González‐Pinto A, Stochl J, Jones PB, Pérez J. Clinical and sociodemographic comparison of people at high‐risk for psychosis and with first‐episode psychosis. Objective: To compare clinical and sociodemographic characteristics previously associated with psychosis, between individuals at high‐risk for psychosis (HR) and patients experiencing a first episode psychosis (FEP), to achieve a better understanding of factors associated with psychosis. Method: Cross‐sectional comparison of 30 individuals at HR with 30 age‐gender matched FEP, presenting to an early intervention service for psychosis. Participants were followed‐up for 2 years to establish the proportion of HR who made the transition into FEP. Results: Both groups showed similar socio‐clinical characteristics, including immigration status, employment history, marital status, family history of psychotic illness, self‐harm and alcohol and drug use. The HR group had a lower level of education, higher burden of trauma, earlier onset of psychiatric symptoms and a longer delay in accessing specialised services. A younger onset of symptoms was associated with a longer delay in accessing services in both groups. After a 2 year follow‐up, only three (10%) of the HR group made a transition into FEP. Conclusion: The similarities observed between individuals at HR and those with FEP suggest that known variables associated with psychosis may be equally prevalent in people at HR who do not develop a psychotic disorder.     

Disengagement from mental health treatment and re-offending in those with psychosis: a multi-state model of linked data

Background and aims

Individuals with psychosis are over-represented in the criminal justice system and, as a group, are at elevated risk of re-offending. Recent studies have observed an association between increased contacts with mental health services and reduced re-offending, as well as reduced risk of re-offending in those who are ordered to mental health treatment rather than punitive sanctions. In furthering this work, this study examines the effect of disengagement from mental health treatment on probability of re-offence in offenders with psychosis over time.

Methods

Data linkage was conducted with judicial, health and mortality datasets from New South Wales, Australia (2001–2015). The study population included 4960 offenders with psychosis who received non-custodial sentences and engaged with community-based mental health treatment. Risk factors for leaving treatment and/or reconviction were examined using multivariate cox regression. Further, a multi-state model was used to observe the probabilities associated with individuals moving between three states: conviction, disengagement from mental health treatment and subsequent re-conviction.

Results

A threefold increase was observed in the risk of re-offending for those who disengaged from treatment compared to those who did not (aHR = 2.76, 95% CI 1.65–4.62, p < 0.001). The median time until re-offence was 195 days, with the majority (67%) being convicted within one year of leaving treatment. A higher risk of leaving treatment was found for those born outside of Australia, with substance-related psychosis, and a history of violent offence.

Conclusions

The findings argue for an emphasis on continued engagement with mental health services following release for offenders with psychosis and identify subgroups within this population for whom concentrated efforts regarding treatment retention should be targeted.

     

Metacognition,symptoms and premorbid functioning in a First Episode Psychosis sample

Significant metacognitive impairments are observed in chronic psychosis samples but metacognition is less understood in first episode psychosis (FEP). The current study explored correlations between metacognition, symptoms and premorbid functioning in an FEP sample. In a cross-sectional cohort study, individuals in the first 12 months of treatment metacognition were assessed with the Metacognition Assessment Scale-Revised version (MAS-R). Psychotic symptomatology, premorbid adjustment, and clinician rated service engagement were also measured. Lower scores for metacognitive understanding of other's minds were significantly correlated with greater negative symptoms, poorer early adolescent social adjustment and poorer clinician rated help-seeking. Our findings suggest that FEP individuals with difficulties in understanding other's minds have more social deficits and may be less able to make effective use of treatment.     

A descriptive study of 'non-cases' and referral rates to an early intervention for psychosis service

Aim: Despite there being approximately 200 early intervention services for psychosis worldwide, little is known about the referral rates to these services, the diagnoses and needs of individuals found not to have a first episode of psychosis (FEP). Firstly, we aimed to describe the diagnoses for individuals who were found not to have a FEP (non‐cases) following an assessment using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (SCID). We then aimed to examine the referral rates of cases and non‐cases to an early intervention service. Methods: All individuals referred to the early intervention service underwent a clinical assessment using the SCID. Results: In a 4‐year period, there were 632 referrals to the early intervention service for psychosis, and of these, 53% (n = 338) were found to have a FEP, 5% (n = 34) were found to have an at‐risk mental state for psychosis and 41% (n = 260) were found to be ‘non‐cases’. This represents a ratio of 1.9:1 of referrals to cases, or approximately 2:1. Of the non‐cases, 27% (n = 62) satisfied criteria for a mood disorder, with major depressive disorder the commonest diagnosis. A further 18% (n = 42) of non‐cases satisfied criteria for an anxiety disorder and nearly half of these were diagnosed with social phobia. The ratio of referrals to cases was not consistent over time and rose from 1.3:1 in the first year to 2:1 in the fourth year. Conclusion: A large proportion of individuals referred to an early intervention for psychosis service were found not to have psychotic disorder, however they still have significant needs regarding their mental health.     

Predictors of service disengagement in first-admitted adolescents with psychosis

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk and predictors of service disengagement in adolescents with first-episode psychosis (FEP) receiving their first treatment in a long-standing early intervention and prevention centre. METHOD: The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) in Australia admitted 157 adolescents, ages 15 to 18, with FEP from January 1998 to December 2000. Treatment at EPPIC spans an average of 18-months. Data were collected from patients' charts using a standardized questionnaire; 134 charts were available. Time to service disengagement was the outcome of interest. Baseline and treatment predictors of service disengagement were examined via Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier 18-month risk of service disengagement was 0.28. A lower severity of illness at baseline (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1-0.4), living without family during treatment (HR = 4.8; 95% CI 2.1-11.2), and persistent substance use during treatment (HR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.1-5.9) contributed significantly to predicting service disengagement. Neither initial substance use nor insight at baseline was related to service disengagement. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should focus on treating substance use and establishing a social network if family support is missing in adolescents with FEP. In addition, clinicians should apply strategies to keep in touch with those adolescents who might not see the necessity of continuous treatment because of a moderate severity of illness.     

The First‐Episode Psychosis Outcome Study: premorbid and baseline characteristics of an epidemiological cohort of 661 first‐episode psychosis patients

Aims: Studies conducted in first‐episode psychosis (FEP) samples avoid many biases. However, very few studies are based on epidemiological cohorts treated in specialized FEP services. The aim of this file audit study was to examine premorbid and baseline characteristics of a large epidemiological sample of FEP. Methods: File audit study of all patients admitted to the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre between 1998 and 2000 using a specialized questionnaire. Results: There were 661 patient files included in the study. Premorbid evaluation revealed high rates of substance use disorder (74.1%), history of psychiatric disorder (47.5%), past traumatic events (82.7%) suicide attempts (14.3%) and family history of psychiatric illness (55.6%). Baseline characteristics revealed high intensity of illness (mean CGI 5.5), high prevalence of lack of insight (62%) and high rate of comorbidity (70%). Conclusion: High rates of traumatic events or episodes of mental illness before treatment for FEP must be considered when designing treatment approaches because a too narrow focus on positive psychotic symptoms will inevitably lead to incomplete treatment. Additionally, early intervention programmes need sufficient range of resources to address the multiple challenges presented by FEP patients such as high severity of illness, comorbidities and functional impairment. Finally, observation of an important degree of functional impairment despite short duration of untreated psychosis suggests that while early detection of FEP is a necessary step in early intervention, it may not be sufficient to improve functional recovery in psychosis and that efforts aimed at identifying people during the prodromal phase of psychotic disorders should be pursued.     

Early psychosis intervention outpatient service of the 1st Psychiatric University Clinic in Athens: 3 Years of experience

To present the 3‐year experience of the early intervention in psychosis (EIP) service implementation of the 1st Psychiatric University Clinic in Athens. An overview of: (1) the purpose of our service, (2) the referral network, (3) the selection criteria, (4) the diagnostic procedures, (5) the therapeutic interventions and (6) the research activities. The service was established in 2012 and developed gradually aiming to provide information, early detection, treatment and support to people aged 15 to 40 years with psychotic manifestations, who are either at increased risk of developing psychosis (at‐risk mental state [ARMS]) or with first episode psychosis (FEP). In order to assess individuals with ARMS, we used the comprehensive assessment of at‐risk mental states interview and the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale The duration of untreated psychosis was estimated by using the Nottingham Onset Schedule. So far we have had 65 referrals, of which 26 were ARMS and 17 FEP. Based on the individual needs, they were offered psychotherapeutic and/or pharmacological treatment. After 3 years, the rate of transition to psychosis was 19.2% and the rate of psychosis relapse was 11.7%. The implementation of our service has had positive results, enabling young people with early psychosis to receive prompt and effective care. The rates of transition to psychosis are the first to be published from a Greek EIP service. Further development of our referral network and inter‐hospital collaboration will allow us to address the needs of a wider part of the population.     

A research agenda to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health care for Latinos

Given the persistent underutilization of mental health services by Latino persons, the mental health research agenda for this population should be shaped by a single practical issue: how to get quality mental health services to Latino consumers and their families. To address this issue, studies are needed that are longitudinal in design, that assess social factors in Latino communities, and that evaluate new and existing interventions. Collaborative investigations that draw on multidisciplinary perspectives and that are informed by multiple stakeholders (service providers, consumers, and policy makers) will increase the likelihood that such research has an impact on existing services. Moreover, careful planning of dissemination and implementation of research findings will enhance the influence that these findings have. A research agenda focused on questions that can be directly translated into accessible high-quality mental health care is needed to address the mental health needs of the nation's growing Latino communities.     

Is a national framework for implementing early psychosis services necessary? Results of a survey of Australian mental health service directors

Aim: Expert opinion holds that the rate of implementation of specialist services for first presentation psychosis in Australia is much too slow. We aimed to collect evidence regarding this view from the first national survey of adult public mental health services about their self-reported efforts to implement specialist early psychosis intervention (EPI). Methods: Using a purpose-designed Census form for assessing EPI implementation, adult public mental health service directors throughout Australia were asked about EPI-relevant local service activities. Results: Sixty Census forms were returned (response rate = 61%), representing a total catchment population of 12.5 million people. A minority of services reported high levels of EPI implementation, which varied widely between area services and across state and territory jurisdictions. Rural and remote services were overrepresented in the lowest levels of reported EPI implementation. Only one service characteristic, the value of identifiable funding committed specifically to EPI, was predictive of level of reported EPI implementation. Conclusions: The disturbingly high levels of variability in EPI implementation across jurisdictions suggest a pressing need for a set of nationally agreed uniform EPI implementation standards. Additional specific strategies for rural and remote mental health services may be needed for these services to implement EPI.     

Suicide risk in first episode psychosis: a selective review of the current literature

Many studies have confirmed that the risk of suicide in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) is high, and high rates of premature mortality, particularly from suicide, may occur in the early phases of schizophrenia. However, suicide rates are difficult to measure in FEP patients, even in carefully defined samples, and there is relatively little specific information about the risk of suicide at illness onset or retrospectively concerning the untreated psychotic period. This selected review of the literature investigates suicidal behaviour with particular regard to severe suicidality (plans and attempts) and risk factors associated with suicide in FEP patients. A search was performed to identify all papers and book chapters during the period 1965-2010, and approximately 100 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of evidence suggests that risk of suicidal behaviour is relatively high in FEP patients. The research reports highlight the need for universal, comprehensive, public mental health interventions aimed, not only toward early detection, but also toward the rapid engagement in treatment of people with psychoses. These interventions should include an adequate assessment of suicidal behaviour in patients with FEP, and an examination of the efficacy of specific components of the interventions.     

The role of culture on the phenomenology of hallucinations and delusions,explanatory models,and help-seeking attitudes: A narrative review

Aim

Culture has been posited to be involved in the formation and maintenance of delusions and hallucinations. The extent of these differences and how they affect explanatory models of psychosis and help-seeking attitudes remains to be understood. This review aims to present a cultural formulation to account for psychosis onset, symptom maintenance, and help-seeking attitudes.

Methods

A narrative review was conducted to summarize the existing evidence base regarding cross-cultural differences in hallucinatory and delusional prevalence, explanatory models, and help-seeking attitudes in First Episode Psychosis (FEP) and Non-FEP Schizophrenia samples.

Results

Sixteen studies were eligible for inclusion. In terms of positive symptom specificity, cross-cultural differences were found. Specifically, auditory and visual hallucinations occurred most frequently in African patients, persecutory and grandiose delusions occurred at higher rates in African, Pakistani, and Latino patients, while delusions of reference were most prevalent in White-British groups. Three explanatory models were identified. Westerners tended to endorse a bio-psychosocial explanation, which was associated with increased help-seeking, engagement, and positive medication attitudes. Asian, Latino, Polish, and Māori patients endorsed religious-spiritual explanatory models, while African patients opted for a bewitchment model. The religious-spiritual and bewitchment models were associated with a longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and poorer engagement with mental health services.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the important influence of culture in the formation and maintenance of positive symptoms of psychosis, engagement, and help-seeking attitudes across different ethnic groups. The incorporation of cultural beliefs in formulation development could facilitate enriched CBTp practices and improved engagement amongst different cultural groups with Early Intervention Services.     

Early psychosis in the inner city: a survey to inform service planning

Background In recent years, there has been a growing impetus to offer services for people with early psychosis. This paper describes a survey undertaken as the basis for the development of an early psychosis service. Rates of psychosis are known to differ between cities and rural areas and between ethnic groups. Identifying service needs is enhanced if the social and demographic characteristics, as well as the incidence, of people with psychosis in a given catchment area are known. Method The present study identified all presentations of people aged 16 or over with first and second episodes of psychosis in a 6-month period within a specified South London catchment area. A follow-up was carried out at 1 year. Results This survey confirmed existing knowledge on the social and service needs of this population, in finding high rates of unemployment and homelessness, poor engagement with services and frequent involuntary pathways to mental healthcare. Sub-groups were also identified with specific needs, which are less often cited in the literature, such as groups of asylum seekers and people with young dependants. Conclusions The results of the survey indicated that existing services were not adequately meeting the needs of people with early psychosis. They have been used to inform the development of an innovative service for people with early psychosis. The plans for this service are described. Accepted: 5 July 2001     

Patterns of health services use prior to a first diagnosis of psychosis: the importance of primary care

Purpose

The observed association between treatment delay and poor outcomes in first-episode psychosis has led to an interest in the topography of symptom development preceding the onset of psychosis and associated help-seeking behaviors. We estimated the extent to which socio-demographic, clinical, and health service indicators are associated with patterns of service use for mental health reasons preceding a first diagnosis of psychosis.

Methods

Population-based administrative data from physician billings, hospitalizations, and public health clinics were used to identify incident cases of schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis among individuals aged 14–25 years in Montréal. Mental health contacts in the 4 years preceding the index diagnosis were analyzed.

Results

Thirty-two percent of cases had no contact with services for a mental health reason preceding the index diagnosis, and nearly 50 % received the index diagnosis of psychosis in the emergency department. Individuals in contact with primary care had a reduced likelihood of contact with the emergency department and inpatient services (OR = 0.15, 0.06–0.39) and of receiving the index diagnosis in the emergency department (OR = 0.36, 0.24–0.54), but also had a longer time to contact with a psychiatrist (HR = 0.32, 0.23–0.45).

Conclusions

Improving access to primary care may reduce the burden on emergency departments and inpatient units; however, primary care providers may need additional training in the symptoms of early psychosis and referral protocols. Given the limitations associated with using clinical samples from specialized services, population-based administrative data are an important source of information for understanding patterns of health services use preceding a first diagnosis of psychosis.