No abstract

This study compared characteristics related to sexual history, sexual activities, sexual functioning, and psychological tendencies associated with sexuality in 45 young adults with schizophrenia treated with novel neuroleptics and in 61 young adults from a comparison group. A smaller proportion of young adults with schizophrenia currently had a sexual partner or had ever engaged in sexual relations. They also had sexual relations and sexual desires less often. Whether affected by schizophrenia or not, a smaller proportion of women had ever masturbated, and a smaller proportion of men currently had a sexual partner. Women masturbated less often, felt less sexual desire, and desired sexual relations less often, compared with men. Proportionally more men with schizophrenia treated with risperidone or olanzapine than men in the comparison group had at least one sexual dysfunction, lacked sexual desire, and reported problems with sexual arousal and ejaculation. Women with schizophrenia were more likely to report problems with sexual arousal and galactorrhea, compared with women in the comparison group. Finally, young adults with schizophrenia were more likely to develop negative psychological tendencies associated with sexuality than were young adults in the comparison group. Sexual problems are highly prevalent among young adults with schizophrenia. Sexuality should occupy the space it deserves within psychosocial rehabilitation programs and the treatment of schizophrenia.

Introduction: Early and intensive rehabilitation for individuals living with first-episode psychosis (FEP) is a key issue for occupational therapists working in mental health settings. Purpose: The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the perception of outpatients in a youth psychosis clinic in Montreal regarding their community functioning. Method: Nineteen young adults with FEP were interviewed, using a set of questions developed on the basis of a person-environment relationship theoretical model. The steps of data analysis included the transcription and coding of data, data reduction, the aggregation of themes and visual representation. Findings: The participants experienced more handicap-creating situations than competence situations. The themes included a diminished quality of relationship with parents, social isolation and difficulties in work and academic performance, as well as poor access to education. The perception of the participants on each of these themes is elaborated. Practice implications: Specific intervention targets for young adults with FEP should include issues such as the management of energy level, communication and social skills training, residential stability, academic and work rehabilitation and attention to physical features of the home, school and work environments.

Housing stability is a key component of rehabilitation for individuals with severe mental illnesses but remains a challenge for mental health service providers, particularly with young adults experiencing early mental health difficulties. The aim of this study is to explore perceptions of housing and home-leaving processes among young adults with emerging psychotic disorders and to compare it to the perceptions of young adults without psychotic disorders. A qualitative, grounded theory based, multiple case study was conducted among 52 adults aged 18-30 years old. Two core categories emerged in relation with perception of housing: choice/control over the residential environment, and housing opportunities over time. Difference between the groups include more coerced home-leaving for young adults with first-episode psychosis and low levels of choice, control and opportunities for a sub-group of participants living in group homes. The housing situation of young adults is analyzed and discussed from a systemic perspective.

Assessment and intervention focused on educational needs and skills should become landmark practices for psychiatric rehabilitation practitioners, including occupational therapists.