Reducing treatment delay for early intervention: evaluation of a community based crisis helpline

• Main Authors: Shrivastava Amresh K, Johnston Megan E, Stitt Larry, Thakar Meghana, Sakel Gopa, Iyer Sunita, Shah Nilesh, Bureau Yves
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-07-01
• Series: Annals of General Psychiatry
• Subjects: Helpline; Stigma; Psychosis; Early intervention; Duration of treatment
• Online Access: http://www.annals-general-psychiatry.com/content/11/1/20

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A limited number of studies have assessed the pathways to care of patients experiencing psychosis for the first time. Helpline/clinic programs may offer patients who are still functional but have potential for crisis an alternative that is free from judgment.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In this study we report on patient calling a round-the-clock crisis helpline for suicide prevention supported by psychiatric facilities in Mumbai, India. Chi-square and test of mean differences were used to compare outcomes between first-episode patients and those with a previous history.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Within five years, the helpline received 15,169 calls. Of those callers, 2341 (15.4%) experienced suicidal ideation. Two hundred and thirty four patients opting for counseling lasting 12 months agreed to a psychiatric assessment. Of those, 32 were fist time psychosis sufferers, whereas, 54 had previously been psychotic. Of all psychiatric assessments, the clinic received 94 patients with ‘first-episode psychosis’. We found that the duration of illness was significantly shorter (17 vs. 28 months) and suicide attempts were fewer (16 vs. 21) in first-time psychosis sufferers compared to those with a treatment history.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We conclude that some first-episode patients of schizophrenia and other disorders do access services by using helplines. We also argue that helplines may be somewhat immune to stigma, allowing patients a safe alternative when finding help.</p>