title: A qualitative investigation of first-episode psychosis in adolescents.
abstract: Although a number of researchers have explored the help-seeking pathways of individuals with psychosis, there has been little focus on the experience of illness and services in the under-18 age group. It was our aim to examine by qualitative means the experience of first-episode psychosis and the experience of accessing effective treatment, from two perspectives - that of the adolescents and that of their primary caregivers. A general inductive approach was used to analyse interviews with 12 young people receiving treatment for psychosis, and 12 carers. We found that lack of awareness of mental illness prevented access to early effective treatment. Young people relied on others to access help, and the emotional impact on caregivers was great. Experience of services was mixed, and recommendations were made for both service providers and service users. We discuss the results particularly in relation to developmental and cultural considerations and conclude that there is a need for education about mental illness and normal adolescent development on an individual and societal level.
authors.affiliation: Kari Centre, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cadario
authors.forename: Josephine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stanton
authors.forename: Puti
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nicholls
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Crengle
authors.forename: Trecia
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wouldes
authors.forename: Matt
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gillard
authors.forename: Sally Nicola
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Merry
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research