Giving change a form. Results of a clinical intervention on young adults (aged 18-26) in a Northern Italy Mental Health
Poster B119, Friday, October 21, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Le Baron
Osmano Oasi1, Simona Ruggi2, Sara Comerio3, Silvia Ferrari3, Federica Rosatti3, Matteo Sala3, Paola Scovazzi3, Pierluigi Castiglioni3; 1Catholic University of Milan, Italy, 2eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy, 3Department of Mental Health, ASST-west Milan, Italy
Introduction. Much scientific literature highlights the importance of swift intervention in serious psychopathology, which is particularly beneficial in limiting so-called DUP. However, elaborate and often heated debate ensues among specialists, as no actual consensus on the efficacy of such interventions exists. This study aims to present the outcome of a clinical intervention targeting young adults (aged 18 to 26) carried out between 2013 and 2015 in a Mental Health Department in Northern Italy. Method and Instruments. A longitudinal study was conducted on 17 patients out of the 106 recruited, all of whom completed a two-year specially designed treatment. The following instruments were employed: the GAF scale, the ERIraos Checklist and the BPRS. Via clinical interview patients were diagnosed using ICD-10 criteria. Explorative analyses and T-tests were conducted. Results. The entire group of patients plainly showed limited stability over the two years, whereas test results highlight that the most significant recovery was during the first treatment phase, notably within the first year. Overall final outcome was nonetheless positive. Conclusions. This study backs claims in literature contending that young adults benefit from specially designed clinical interventions, while pointing out the need for improved strategies in optimizing treatment duration or in the management of patients long the entire course of the latter.
Topic Area: Psychosocial Interventions