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Family processes and duration of untreated psychosis among US Latinos
Author(s) -
Hernandez Mercedes,
Hernandez Maria Y.,
Lopez Daisy,
Barrio Concepción,
Gamez Diana,
López Steven R.
Publication year - 2019
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.12779
Subject(s) - dup , thematic analysis , context (archaeology) , psychosis , psychology , early psychosis , psychiatry , clinical psychology , qualitative research , paleontology , social science , biochemistry , chemistry , gene duplication , sociology , biology , gene
Aim Little is known about family processes and treatment seeking among Latinos with first‐episode psychosis (FEP) living in the United States. This study examined family processes prior to treatment and their relation to duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) among Latinos with FEP and their family caregivers. Methods Thirty‐three Latinos with FEP and their low‐acculturated family caregivers (n = 33) participated in qualitative semi‐structured interviews focused on treatment‐seeking experience and family relationships. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis and themes were grouped based on short (n = 18) or long (n = 15) DUP. Results Findings revealed differences based on DUP length. Patients with short DUP had stronger family relationships characterized by open communication and disclosure of symptoms that facilitated awareness and direct action by family caregivers. However, patients with long DUP had more troubled family relationships that often challenged early treatment seeking. Conclusions Findings highlight the relevance of family context in the provision of early treatment for Latinos with FEP. Family‐based services are needed that increase awareness of symptoms and provide families with support that can facilitate ongoing patient treatment during this critical period.