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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 8/2005

01-08-2005 | Original Paper

Reducing the duration of untreated psychosis and changing help-seeking behaviour in Singapore

Authors: Siow-Ann Chong, MBBS, MMed (Psych), S. Mythily, MBBS, MD (Biochem), Swapna Verma, MD

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 8/2005

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Abstract

Aim

This study was conducted to examine the impact of early detection strategies of an early psychosis intervention programme on the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and the pattern of help-seeking behaviour.

Method

Patients with first-episode psychosis were compared before and after the initiation of a programme of public education and networking with primary health care providers. These two groups were compared on the DUP and the change in the pattern of help-seeking.

Results

The DUP was significantly reduced from a median of 12 to median of 4 months (p=0.002, Mann–Whitney U-test). There was an increase in the proportion of self and family referrals, and a fall in the proportion of police referrals.

Conclusion

Awareness campaigns which target multiple groups and use various modes of communication are effective in influencing the DUP and patterns of help-seeking.
Literature
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Metadata
Title
Reducing the duration of untreated psychosis and changing help-seeking behaviour in Singapore
Authors
Siow-Ann Chong, MBBS, MMed (Psych)
S. Mythily, MBBS, MD (Biochem)
Swapna Verma, MD
Publication date
01-08-2005
Publisher
Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 8/2005
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-005-0948-4

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