Effect of Early Psychosis Coordinated Specialty Care on Criminal Justice Outcomes and Prevalence of Psychosis Among Incarcerated Transition Age Youth
Poster C95, Saturday, October 22, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Le Baron
Jessica Pollard1, Tobias Wasser1, Faith Steffen-Allen1,2, Andrew Cislo2,3, Robert Trestman2,3, Vinod Srihari1; 1Yale University, 2University of Connecticut, 3Correctional Managed Healthcare
Purpose: Little is known about impact of early psychosis Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) on criminal justice (CJ) outcomes in the U.S. Violence is greater during first episode than later illness and time between onset and connection to CSC is posited as a high-risk period for violence and increased CJ contact. Prospective studies suggest earlier psychosis treatment may reduce homicidal violence and treatment reduces violence to general public rates (except if abusing substances). The purpose of this investigation is to determine whether CSC (STEP) significantly improved CJ outcomes compared to community treatment as usual (TAU) and provide an estimate of prevalence of psychosis among Connecticut’s incarcerated youth. Materials and Methods: From 2006-2012, 120 youth ages 16-45 who were within five years from onset of a primary psychotic disorder and early in treatment were randomly assigned to STEP or TAU. Clinical and functional outcomes were monitored for one year. Self-report jail days were collected . Department of Corrections data will be queried to identify whether participants were incarcerated 3 years pre/post entry to care. Between and within subjects comparisons on number of incarcerations, jail days, and crime type will be run. Number of inmates ages16-24 with an identified psychotic disorder will also be calculated. Results: Previously published results demonstrated STEP was superior for hospitalization and vocational outcomes. Self-report data reveals significantly fewer jail days for STEP participants one year after entering treatment (M=0.23, SE=0.15 STEP vs. M=3.44, SE=2.35 TAU). Conclusion: CSC reduces CJ involvement. Jails provide opportunities for early detection and intervention.
Topic Area: Translational Research