Schizophrenia and other psychoses affect three-in-100 people in Ireland with huge economic cost to the State, according to a new report published on the work and evaluation of the DETECT (Dublin and East Treatment and Early Care Team) service.
DETECT is the country’s first early intervention service for those experiencing illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The report states that those with psychosis have complex needs and require a comprehensive recovery orientated service.
Almost 40 per cent of those diagnosed with psychosis also have substance misuse problems, usually alcohol or cannabis or a combination of both.
Commenting on the findings of the report, Mr Niall Turner, Project Co- Ordinator and occupational therapy manager at DETECT, said: “DETECT was originally set up in 2006 as a pilot programme to see if early intervention was feasible in Ireland.
DETECT is specifically for those experiencing a first episode of psychosis who live in the eastern region of south Dublin and east Wicklow.
It was evident from the start that early intervention made sense and more importantly, that it worked.”
The report highlights the importance of an early intervention service, stating that treating psychosis early can prevent admission to hospital.
“Most importantly for the individual, access to an early intervention service provides better recovery outcomes. It is very encouraging that this report has found that one year after treatment, 60 per cent of individuals who have experienced psychotic symptoms are working and participating fully in society,” said Mr Turner.
“From a policy perspective it also promotes community-based service provision, which is the cornerstone of the Government’s policy on mental health, A Vision for Change.
We know that treatment in the community is preferred by people who require treatment for psychosis. Early intervention can also
save money.
International studies have shown that early intervention services are more economical than traditional mental health services.”
The evaluation of the impact of the service published in the report shows that delays to treatment have been reduced.
In the case of schizophrenia they have been reduced from 19 months in 2006 to nine months in 2011.
It also shows that 80 per cent of GPs find the service extremely or very useful and that over a third of people presenting to the service have been treated successfully in the community.
Launching the report, Minister of State with responsibility for disability, older people, equality and mental health, Kathleen Lynch, said: “I am delighted to see that rapid access is central to the early intervention for psychosis model and that the DETECT report provides evidence that a fast track response is both feasible and effective.
Early intervention makes so much sense, yet with the stigma attached to mental illnesses people are reluctant to seek help until quite late and so need encouragement to come early.
We need to change our attitudes and our thinking about mental health.
We need to create an environment that recognises and treats people with mental health problems in a similar way to other health needs.
If we improve mental health literacy, and learn to speak openly about mental health, we will change attitudes, encourage help seeking and create a society that is supportive of some of its potentially most vulnerable and marginalised citizens.”
Image courtesy of Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the BPL, Flickr Creative Commons
