First episode of psychosis in rural Greece: A multi-center study of the Mobile Mental Health Units.

IF 2.5 4区医学 Q2 PSYCHIATRY

International Journal of Social Psychiatry Pub Date : 2025-01-11 DOI:10.1177/00207640241310185

Vaios Peritogiannis, Ioanna-Athina Botsari, Athina Fragouli-Sakellaropoulou, Iliana Filla, Aikaterini Garmpi, Maria Dimopoulou, Stavros Gavriilidis, Alexandros Vgontzas, Maria Samakouri

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Over the last decades the study of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders has been focused on early and comprehensive intervention during the first episode of psychosis (FEP), but studies in rural settings are only rare. In Greece mental healthcare in rural areas is mostly delivered by the locally-based Mobile Mental Health Units (MMHUs).

Aims: The aim of the present study was to address treatment of FEP patients by the MMHUs in rural areas in Greece, focusing on patients with a first episode of schizophrenia.

Method: This is a multicenter, retrospective observational study with the participation of nine MMHUs across several areas in rural mainland and some islands of Greece. Patients of the age range of 15 to 55 years with a diagnosis of non-affective psychosis were included in the study.

Results: The study sample consisted of 216 patients, while analysis was performed for patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia (n = 153, 70.8% of the sample). Most patients were males (n = 93, 60.8%), with a mean age at first presentation 34.9 years (Md = 34.5, SD = 11.94). The mean duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) was 7.85 months (Md = 3, IQR = 10.00) and was shorter in younger (15-25 years) patients. More than 60% of patients had been successfully engaged to treatment with the MMHUs, with a mean follow-up duration of 5.17 years (Md = 5.00, IQR = 5.00). Younger patients (26-35 years) tend to disengage from treatment, while those aged 36 to 45 years were more likely to continue follow-up. A reduction of 47.22% in hospital admissions among patients with schizophrenia was observed over follow-up of patients by the MMHUS.

Conclusion: The most noteworthy findings of the study are the low percentage of patients seeking help from the MMHUs, compared to the expected cases and the high attendance rate of those that are examined in this context. Further research on psychosis/schizophrenia in the rural context is warranted.

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来源期刊

International Journal of Social Psychiatry PSYCHIATRY-

CiteScore

12.30

自引率

1.30%

发文量

120

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Social Psychiatry, established in 1954, is a leading publication dedicated to the field of social psychiatry. It serves as a platform for the exchange of research findings and discussions on the influence of social, environmental, and cultural factors on mental health and well-being. The journal is particularly relevant to psychiatrists and multidisciplinary professionals globally who are interested in understanding the broader context of psychiatric disorders and their impact on individuals and communities. Social psychiatry, as a discipline, focuses on the origins and outcomes of mental health issues within a social framework, recognizing the interplay between societal structures and individual mental health. The journal draws connections with related fields such as social anthropology, cultural psychiatry, and sociology, and is influenced by the latest developments in these areas. The journal also places a special emphasis on fast-track publication for brief communications, ensuring that timely and significant research can be disseminated quickly. Additionally, it strives to reflect its international readership by publishing state-of-the-art reviews from various regions around the world, showcasing the diverse practices and perspectives within the psychiatric disciplines. This approach not only contributes to the scientific understanding of social psychiatry but also supports the global exchange of knowledge and best practices in mental health care.