EPA-1256 – Should Early Intervention in Psychosis Programs Be Autonomous or Set Up as a Specialized Units Within Psychiatric Services? Forethoughts about our Approach

Abstract

Introduction:

There is growing literature regarding the controversial subject of the placement of early intervention in psychosis programs (EIP) in the psychiatric services network.

Objectives/ Aim:

To review the literature concerning the different organizational models in early intervention in psychosis and their positioning with local psychiatric services.

To describe our community based early intervention program, integrated in a general adult psychiatry service. We intend to reflect about our experience, on the weaknesses and strengths of our service's model.

Methods:

A non-systematic literature review about different models of service organization in early intervention in psychosis was performed, using Medline database and Google Scholar search-engine as well as reference textbooks.

Results:

The current debate is centered on whether EIP should be organized as autonomous services or integrated in broader psychiatric services.

The PSIC Programme is an assertive community-based programme for patients with a first psychotic episode. It was developed by the Psychiatric Department of Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca Hospital in 2001 through the cooperative use of the existing human and financial resources.

Conclusions:

The integration of early intervention programs in general psychiatric services, allows for the delivery of specialized rehabilitative treatments while maintaining the continuity of care even after the critical period.

Early intervention programs encapsulate a new optimism within community mental health teams. Inevitably the high standards imported from early intervention, begin to be benchmarks for all services for psychotic individuals.