Many people with first episode psychosis do not initiate help-seeking for themselves particularly those with a relative affected by mental illness. Those with poor premorbid adjustment are at particular risk of longer delays. Poor premorbid adjustment compounded by long delays to effective treatment reduces the likelihood of a good outcome. Families play a vital role in hastening receipt of effective treatment.
Objectives-This study investigated the use of professional services and informal support among African Americans and Caribbean Blacks with a lifetime mood, anxiety, or substance disorder.Methods-Data were from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL). Multinomial logistic regression was utilized to test the use of professional services only, informal support only, both, or no help at all. Analyses controlled for sociodemographic characteristics, disorder-related variables, and family network variables.Results-The analytic sample included 1,096 African Americans and 372 Caribbean Blacks. Fortyone percent used both professional services and informal support, 14% relied on professional services only, 23% used informal support only, and 22% did not receive help. There were no significant differences in help-seeking between African Americans and Caribbean Blacks. Having co-occurring mental and substance disorders, a severe 12-month disorder, more people in the informal helper network, and being female increased the likelihood of receiving help from both professional services and informal supports. When men did receive help they were more likely to rely on informal helpers. Marital status, age, and socioeconomic status were also significantly related to help-seeking.
Within an early intervention service for FEP, it appears that individuals with less education, more negative symptoms and less insight experienced significant barriers to successfully completing group CBT. More information for referring clinicians about the benefits of CBT for FEP could help increase referral rates. Assertive outreach for people at risk of disengaging or non-adherence should also be considered.
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