Journal
EARLY INTERVENTION IN PSYCHIATRY
Volume 12, Issue 1, Pages 66-73Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1111/eip.12273
Keywords
ARMS; CHR; discrimination; psychosis risk; stigma
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Funding
- Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF)
- EU FP7 Project European Network of National Schizophrenia Networks Studying Gene-Environment Interactions (EU-GEI)
- Stanley Medical Research Institute Foundation for Neurapro-E (North America Europe Australia Prodrome)
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AimDespite the large scientific debate concerning potential stigmatizing effects of identifying an individual as being in an at-risk mental state (ARMS) for psychosis, studies investigating this topic from the subjective perspective of patients are rare. This study assesses whether ARMS individuals experience stigmatization and to what extent being informed about the ARMS is experienced as helpful or harmful. MethodsEleven ARMS individuals, currently participating in the follow-up assessments of the prospective Basel Fruherkennung von Psychosen (FePsy; English: EarlyDetection ofPsychosis) study, were interviewed in detail using a semistructured qualitative interview developed for this purpose. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. ResultsMost individuals experiencing first symptoms reported sensing that there was something wrong with them' and felt in need of help. They were relieved that a specific term was assigned to their symptoms. The support received from the early detection centre was generally experienced as helpful. Many patients reported stigmatization and discrimination that appeared to be the result of altered behaviour and social withdrawal due to the prepsychotic symptoms they experienced prior to contact with the early detection clinic. ConclusionsThe results suggest that early detection services help individuals cope with symptoms and potential stigmatization rather than enhancing or causing the latter. More emphasis should be put on the subjective experiences of those concerned when debating the advantages and disadvantages of early detection with regard to stigma. There was no evidence for increased perceived stigma and discrimination as a result of receiving information about the ARMS.
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