Abstract
BackgroundAnxiety and depressive symptoms and psychotic experiences constitute common features of emerging mental disorders in young people. Psychotic experiences and the ultra-high risk (UHR) state for psychosis appear to have a particular importance for clinical presentation, progression of symptomatology, quality of life and functioning, but the impact of psychotic experiences in individuals seeking help at non-UHR services, compared to UHR services, is under-researched.MethodsSixty-nine young people (Mage ± SD at baseline = 20.8 ± 2.6, range 16–26 years, 48 females) presenting to mental health services were grouped according to UHR and non-UHR status. They were assessed at baseline for anxiety and depressive symptoms, psychological distress, psychosocial functioning and quality of life. They were followed up at three, six, and 12 months. Data were analysed using mixed linear modelling.ResultsUHR individuals reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and psychological distress, and lower levels of role functioning and quality of life compared to non-UHR individuals. No differences were reported for anxiety symptoms or social functioning. Decline in psychosocial functioning was not associated with clinical deterioration or reduction of quality of life.ConclusionsPsychotic experiences appear to be particularly associated with depressive symptoms and psychological distress, impaired role functioning and quality of life in help-seeking young people in the medium-term. It is therefore important to pay special attention to psychotic experiences in the early stages of mental health problems even if psychotic symptoms are not the main motivation for help-seeking.
Highlights
Anxiety and depressive symptoms and psychotic experiences constitute common features of emerging mental disorders in young people
For analysis of Demographics and ultra-high risk (UHR) vs non-UHR group comparisons at baseline At baseline, 56.2% (n = 41) of participants presented with no significant psychotic experiences, 19.2% (n = 14) were experiencing psychotic experiences without functional decline, whereas another 19.2% (n = 14) of individuals were at UHR
No further transitions were recorded for the 12-month follow-up assessment
Summary
Anxiety and depressive symptoms and psychotic experiences constitute common features of emerging mental disorders in young people. One well researched example of early stage mental health problems is the ultra-high risk (UHR) state for psychosis. This refers to a presentation in which a young person experiences positive psychotic symptoms in a sub-threshold or transient form [4]. UHR individuals experience low psychosocial functioning and may have comorbid psychiatric disorders such as major depression [5, 6] They frequently have poor functional outcomes [7], and are at increased risk of the onset of psychotic disorders [8] as well as non-psychotic disorders in the long-term [9, 10]
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