Rate and predictors of disengagement in an early psychosis program with time limited intensification of treatment. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Golay, Philippe; Ramain, Julie; Reiff, Caroline; Solida, Alessandra; Baumann, Philipp S.; Conus, Philippe
• Is Part Of: Journal of psychiatric research. Volume 131(2020)
• Page Start: 33
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Schizophrenia -- Early psychosis -- Disengagement -- Drop out -- First episode; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental Disorders -- Periodicals; Maladies mentales -- Périodiques; Psychiatry; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.08.036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3956

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Service disengagement is a frequent problem in early intervention in psychosis. The goal of this study was to evaluate the rate and variables associated with service disengagement in a three year specialized program that allows treatment intensification on a case to case basis. Methods: 328 early psychosis patients were assessed at baseline on a large set of socio-demographic and clinical variables and were followed-up over 36 months. Patients who left the program for reasons related to engagement with care were compared to patients who completed the program. Results: Rates of disengagement were low (6.3%). Patients with lower socio-economic status, who committed offences during the program or with a diagnosis of Schizophreniform/brief psychotic disorder were more likely to disengage from the program. Conclusions: The engagement strategies implemented in the context of our early intervention programs have allowed to keep disengagements to a relatively low level. In this context, only 3 variables emerged to guide adaptation of the intervention in order to improve this already good engagement rate.