title: First-episode psychosis in rural, coastal and remote Australian communities.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Bloomfield Hospital, Orange, NSW, Australia. Helen.Stain@newcastle.edu.au
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Stain
authors.forename: Gina-Maree
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Sartore
authors.forename: Doug
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: 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