Vancouver/Richmond EPI
Early Psychosis Intervention

Do I have a problem?

• What is Psychosis?
• Early Signs of Psychosis
• Symptoms of Psychosis
• Warning Signs
• Early Intervention
• Barriers to Intervention
• Schizophrenia
• Mood Disorders

Treatment and Recovery

• Treatment of Psychosis
• Stress Reduction
• Managing Symptoms

For Families

• Info for Families
• What Families Can Do
• Managing Symptoms
• Support Groups (PDF)

Coping with Stress and Crises

• Stress
• Crises
• Aggression
• Suicide
• Alcohol & Drugs

Learning Resources

• External Links
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Info in Chinese (PDF)
• Info in Punjabi (PDF)
• Mental Health Act
• News/Blog
• Reading List
• Services Available

About Us

Contact Us

Disclaimer

Gallery

Barriers to Early Intervention

Despite the effectiveness of early intervention, the research indicates that, on average, individuals will have experienced psychosis for 52 - 114 weeks (Loebel et al., 1992; Larsen et al., 1996) prior to initial treatment. Reasons for this delay may include:

Social Aspects

1. Stigma.

2. Many people experiencing a first episode of psychosis are employed or in school and may fear disruption in these aspects of their lives.

3. Poor recognition of illness by others.

Illness Variables

1. Paranoia or other symptoms

2. Poor insight

3. Decline in cognitive functioning, including decreasing ability to concentrate and remember

4. Impaired judgment.

Fear of the Unknown

1. Fear of being admitted to a psychiatric facility.

2. Perception that psychosis is a "life sentence."

System Failures

1. Lack of resources.

2. Poorly defined referral paths.

3. "Wait and see" approach.

Top of Page