<p>Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) critically influences the prognosis of individuals with psychosis. A shorter DUP is linked to better clinical outcomes, including improved symptom management, greater functional recovery, and enhanced quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the DUP among individuals with psychosis in two communities: one with community-based awareness interventions and one without. This study took place in Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu. A community-based program was implemented to raise awareness about psychosis and the importance of early treatment. The campaign included educational sessions, informational materials, and community engagement activities to destigmatize mental illness and encourage early help-seeking behaviours. The impact was assessed by comparing the DUP of individuals diagnosed with psychosis within the intervention area to those in a comparable area without interventions. Data were collected over consecutive years to evaluate changes over time. The results showed a significant reduction in the DUP in individuals in the intervention area compared to the non-intervention area. Over consecutive years, there was a consistent decrease in DUP within the catchment area, suggesting that awareness interventions effectively promoted earlier treatment seeking. A modest reduction in DUP was also observed in the non-intervention area, possibly due to spillover effects or broader changes in mental health awareness. This study underscores the positive impact of community-based awareness interventions on reducing DUP among individuals with psychosis. These results highlight the importance of public health strategies aimed at early identification and treatment of psychosis, which can lead to better outcomes. Implementing similar programs in other regions could replicate these benefits, contributing to improved mental health care.</p>

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Impact of Community-Based STEP Program on the Duration of Untreated Psychosis Among Persons with Psychosis in Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu

  • B. Abirami,
  • A. Kulandesu,
  • S. Karthick,
  • S. Senthilkumar,
  • T. Gunaselvi,
  • Kotteswara Rao,
  • Thara Rangaswamy,
  • Vijaya Raghavan

摘要

Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) critically influences the prognosis of individuals with psychosis. A shorter DUP is linked to better clinical outcomes, including improved symptom management, greater functional recovery, and enhanced quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the DUP among individuals with psychosis in two communities: one with community-based awareness interventions and one without. This study took place in Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu. A community-based program was implemented to raise awareness about psychosis and the importance of early treatment. The campaign included educational sessions, informational materials, and community engagement activities to destigmatize mental illness and encourage early help-seeking behaviours. The impact was assessed by comparing the DUP of individuals diagnosed with psychosis within the intervention area to those in a comparable area without interventions. Data were collected over consecutive years to evaluate changes over time. The results showed a significant reduction in the DUP in individuals in the intervention area compared to the non-intervention area. Over consecutive years, there was a consistent decrease in DUP within the catchment area, suggesting that awareness interventions effectively promoted earlier treatment seeking. A modest reduction in DUP was also observed in the non-intervention area, possibly due to spillover effects or broader changes in mental health awareness. This study underscores the positive impact of community-based awareness interventions on reducing DUP among individuals with psychosis. These results highlight the importance of public health strategies aimed at early identification and treatment of psychosis, which can lead to better outcomes. Implementing similar programs in other regions could replicate these benefits, contributing to improved mental health care.