Preliminary evidence supporting the practice of psychosis-risk screening within an inpatient psychiatric setting serving adolescents. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thompson, Elizabeth C.; Visser, Katherine Frost; Schiffman, Jason; Spirito, Anthony; Hunt, Jeffrey; Wolff, Jennifer C.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 307(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Psychosis spectrum -- Psychosis risk -- Screening -- Adolescence -- Inpatient -- Psychiatric hospital; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114322
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: Psychosis-risk screening is under-studied in adolescent inpatient settings. Psychosis-risk screening tools demonstrate promising accuracy in one such setting. The Youth Self-Report Thought Problems scale is one promising screening measure. The PRIME Screen- Revised is another potentially useful screening tool. These tools may be useful to identify vulnerable teens needing further evaluation. Abstract: Evidence supports the use of brief psychosis-spectrum screening measures to identify individuals at elevated risk for psychosis, however, there is limited research on psychosis-spectrum screening among adolescents hospitalized for acute mental health concerns. Given the psychiatric vulnerability of this population, screening efforts within inpatient settings may help identify adolescents at greatest risk for ongoing mental health concerns including psychosis. This study investigates the use of two brief screening tools to identify psychosis-spectrum symptoms in psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents. Upon intake, adolescents completed two screening measures, the PRIME Screen-Revised and the Youth Self-Report Thought Problems scale, followed by a brief interview to evaluate psychosis-spectrum diagnoses. Associations between screening scores and diagnostic status were explored to evaluate the use of these tools to identify psychosis-spectrum conditions in this population. The sample included 57 adolescents, 28 of whom met psychosis-spectrum criteria. Psychosis-spectrum status was strongly correlated with PRIME scores (r = 0.59) and Thought Problems T scores (r = 0.55). Logistic regression analyses indicated that both screening measures demonstrate promising accuracy (74–81%) for identifying adolescents meeting psychosis-spectrum criteria. The PRIME and Thought Problems scale may be appropriate screening tools for use in adolescent inpatient settings to identify those experiencing clinically significant psychosis-spectrum symptoms.