Research has shown that there is usually a considerable period of time between the onset of significant psychotic symptoms and the receipt of appropriate treatment in psychotic patients. The prodromal period (first noticeable behavioral change to the first onset of psychotic symptoms) in schizophrenic patients lasts an average of two years. Helgasom (1990) found that the average time between the onset of abnormal presentation and the first treatment for psychotic patients was 2.5 years.
A large number of studies have shown that delays in effective treatment of psychosis can lead to significant consequences. Adolescents are a vulnerable population for schizophrenia. The timeliness of treatment for these patients leads to different outcomes in their lives. The lack of timely and effective treatment leads to a reduced chance of recovery.
The consequences are.
1. slow or no recovery
2. Poor prognosis;
3, affect the psychological development and social development of the individual;
4. Interpersonal tension, loss of family and social support;
5, resulting in interruption of study, employment and unemployment;
6.Loss of self-esteem and self-confidence;
7. Increased costs of multiple inpatient treatments.
Therefore, early identification of psychiatric disorders makes it possible to intervene and provide appropriate treatment or management at the earliest possible stage of the disorder.
Key symptoms of early psychosis
There are many symptoms that precede the onset of psychosis, and these symptoms include
1. Affective changes: suspicion, depression, anxiety, emotional instability, irritability, and anger.
2. cognitive changes: peculiar thoughts, memory impairment, difficulty concentrating.
3. Changes in self-perception, perception of others, and perception of the outside world. (e.g., feeling that things around you have changed, feeling that your mind is racing or sluggish)
4.Changes in somatic aspects: sleep disorder, change in appetite, various complaints of somatic discomfort, listlessness, inactivity, cognitive impairment.
5.Decreased ability to work and study.
6.Social withdrawal or disinterest.
Although patients are distressed by the above symptoms, they rarely talk about them to others and do not actively seek help. Of course there may be many reasons for the above symptoms, and they may not always develop to the level of psychosis. When a young person develops persistent behavioral changes and functional changes for no apparent reason, the possibility of mental illness should be considered, and the person should be highly alert, closely observed, and, if necessary, consulted by a professional.