First-Episode Psychosis in Rural, Coastal and Remote Australian Communities

Abstract

The study highlights the importance of identification of FEP, particularly in the 10-18-year age group, where cognitive problems are likely to adversely affect schooling as well as be detrimental to social relationships. Service provision for FEP youth in rural areas requires innovation and coordination of limited resources, including better provision of training and ongoing clinical supervision.

Youth mental ill health and secondary school completion in Australia: time to act

“…There is a paucity of research concerning youth mental health services in rural areas, particularly for FEP. 49,[82][83][84][85][86] Integrated primary care programmes and early detection have been called for, but depression has been the dominant call in rural areas, not FEP. 49,[87][88][89] Specialist adolescent mental health services are set up in a selected number of rural centres, have long waiting lists and difficulties with recruitment and retention of staff.…”

Psychosis 101: evaluating a training programme for northern and remote youth mental health service providers

“…15,16 The youth who are experiencing psychosis have longer DUP and decreased access to services. [16][17][18][19] There are distinct challenges for rural programmes in delivering specialized EPI services such as widespread geographies with few resources and low population density. This combination makes accumulating a critical mass for resource allocation of specialty services difficult.…”

Rural and remote early psychosis intervention services: the Gordian knot of early intervention

“…There is evidence that youth who live in rural areas have increased mental illness, higher rates of suicide and addictions . Youth experiencing psychosis and who live in rural areas have longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and decreased access to services . Welch and Welch conducted a systematic review for research evidence about EPI in rural areas.…”

“…5,6 Youth experiencing psychosis and who live in rural areas have longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and decreased access to services. 7 Welch and Welch 8 conducted a systematic review for research evidence about EPI in rural areas. They found very little evidence that could be used to guide rural EPI programs.…”

“…They found very little evidence that could be used to guide rural EPI programs. Other literatures 7,9,10 have suggested similar strategies to address the distinct challenges facing rural EPI programs: there is an increased role for primary health-care providers in providing EPI services; there is an essential need for adequate education, training and ongoing supervision for these isolated EPI frontline workers; a strong EPI network is very important to support these workers; often general mental health workers are required to gain extra EPI specialty skills to help service a vast region.…”