First-episode psychosis in rural, coastal and remote Australian communities.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate access to care and service delivery for first-episode psychosis (FEP) in rural, coastal and remote regions.


METHODS
Routine clinical outcome data were analysed for patients aged 10-25 years who presented to mental health services in either a rural, coastal or remote region of New South Wales over a 3-year period.


RESULTS
The results showed rural region FEP patients travelled significantly further to access services than non-FEP patients. Remote region FEP patients were older and more likely to be male and Aboriginal than non-FEP patients. Alcohol and drug problems were significantly more likely for FEP than non-FEP patients across all regions. Utilization of mental health services was more frequent for FEP than non-FEP children and adolescents.


CONCLUSIONS
The study highlights the importance of identification of FEP, particularly in the 10-18-year age group, where cognitive problems are likely to adversely affect schooling as well as be detrimental to social relationships. Service provision for FEP youth in rural areas requires innovation and coordination of limited resources, including better provision of training and ongoing clinical supervision.
Stain
Helen
H
Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Bloomfield Hospital, Orange, NSW, Australia. Helen.Stain@newcastle.edu.au
Sartore
Gina-Maree
GM
Andrews
Doug
D
Kelly
Brian
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D002648:Child; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors