Optimizing Transition to the Community Following Treatment in Early Psychosis Programs: Preliminary Findings of a Prospective Intervention Study
Poster C42, Wednesday, October%2010, 11:30%20am%20-%201:00%20pm, Essex%20Ballroom
Elizabeth McCay1, Philip Tibbo2, Gretchen Conrad3, John Langley4, Nicole Kirwan4, Audrey Danaher1, Candice Crocker2, Andria Aiello1, Clare Sheasgreen1; 1Ryerson University, 2Dalhousie University, 3Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, 4St. Michael's Hospital
Given the risks associated with the onset of psychosis in youth, the importance of early intervention is well recognized. Despite the effectiveness of early psychosis intervention (EPI) programs to meet the needs of youth, gains made in these programs are often not sustained following the transition from EPI services to engagement in the community. To the best of our knowledge, there are few studies that address optimal follow-up care in community settings following EPI. As such, our research group has developed an innovative multi-component intervention to sustain the recovery process for youth experiencing psychosis, as they transition from EPI to community-based care. Currently a prospective cohort study is being undertaken to assess the effectiveness of a manual-based individual and group CBT/MI informed intervention that spans pre-and post-transition from EPI services. Data has been collected from 39 participants who received treatment in three early intervention programs in Canada (Ontario and Nova Scotia). These participants were recruited prior to the introduction of the intervention (comparison group) and were identified as ready for discharge. Data were collected using standardized measures including quality of life (SQLS), self-esteem (RSE), mental health symptoms (SCL-90-R) and functional level (SOFAS and GAF). Results suggest that participants identified as being ready for discharge had achieved optimal levels of recovery. This manual-based CBT/MI informed intervention to further the growth and benefits attained in the EPI programs is currently being implemented at the 3 sites. The intervention and data from this intervention on maintenance of personal recovery will be discussed.
Topic Area: Psychosocial Interventions