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Early detection of psychosis: helpful or stigmatizing experience? A qualitative study
Author(s) -
Uttinger Martina,
Koranyi Susan,
Papmeyer Martina,
Fend Fabienne,
Ittig Sarah,
Studerus Erich,
Ramyead Avinash,
Simon Andor,
RiecherRössler Anita
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
early intervention in psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.087
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1751-7893
pISSN - 1751-7885
DOI - 10.1111/eip.12273
Subject(s) - psychology , psychosis , at risk mental state , stigma (botany) , social stigma , psychiatry , perspective (graphical) , qualitative research , interpretative phenomenological analysis , clinical psychology , medicine , family medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , social science , artificial intelligence , sociology , computer science
Aim Despite the large scientific debate concerning potential stigmatizing effects of identifying an individual as being in an at‐risk mental state ( ARMS ) for psychosis, studies investigating this topic from the subjective perspective of patients are rare. This study assesses whether ARMS individuals experience stigmatization and to what extent being informed about the ARMS is experienced as helpful or harmful. Methods Eleven ARMS individuals, currently participating in the follow‐up assessments of the prospective B asel F rüh e rkennung von P sy chosen ( FePsy ; E nglish: E arly D etection of P sychosis) study, were interviewed in detail using a semistructured qualitative interview developed for this purpose. Data were analysed using I nterpretative P henomenological A nalysis. Results Most individuals experiencing first symptoms reported sensing that there was ‘something wrong with them’ and felt in need of help. They were relieved that a specific term was assigned to their symptoms. The support received from the early detection centre was generally experienced as helpful. Many patients reported stigmatization and discrimination that appeared to be the result of altered behaviour and social withdrawal due to the prepsychotic symptoms they experienced prior to contact with the early detection clinic. Conclusions The results suggest that early detection services help individuals cope with symptoms and potential stigmatization rather than enhancing or causing the latter. More emphasis should be put on the subjective experiences of those concerned when debating the advantages and disadvantages of early detection with regard to stigma. There was no evidence for increased perceived stigma and discrimination as a result of receiving information about the ARMS .