The Role of the Adult Companion at the Onset of Psychosis in Adolescence

Gios Giulio,Ceccato Enrico,Busana Claudio

doi:10.23937/2572-4037.1510028

Abstract

It is widely proved that methods of intervention in cases of adolescent-onset psychosis should be timely and plurifocal, with the application of integrated forms of therapy, including pharmacological treatment and psychological and social rehabilitation, also with an involvement of family members. Research studies moreover indicate that offering adolescents treatment within social contexts besides at facilities which have the specific purpose of providing treatment, on either a hospital or out-patient basis, improves both the outcome and compliance to treatment.

Highlights

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV-TR) [1] applies the same diagnostic criteria for psychotic disorders in both children and adolescents and for adults, various authors express a certain degree of perplexity in this regard [2].There are relatively few epidemiological studies regarding the onset of psychosis during adolescence but, in general, it is believed that the incidence of psychosis and schizophrenia in particular increases considerably during adolescence, with a preponderant occurrence of the disorder among males [3]
The adult companion (AC) is the component of the treatment team closest to the adolescent and his/her family and the person who is the easiest to approach when a need arises to communicate worries and distress
The AC directly implements that part of the Individualized Therapeutic Project (ITP) which is carried out in the setting of the patient’s life environment and at the same time creates a bridge between the adolescent with his/her family on the one hand and the treatment team on the other

Summary

Introduction

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV-TR) [1] applies the same diagnostic criteria for psychotic disorders in both children and adolescents and for adults, various authors express a certain degree of perplexity in this regard [2].There are relatively few epidemiological studies regarding the onset of psychosis during adolescence but, in general, it is believed that the incidence of psychosis and schizophrenia in particular increases considerably during adolescence, with a preponderant occurrence of the disorder among males [3]. Other authors indicate that complications at birth, advanced paternal age, developmental anomalies or problems relating to infections in early childhood are some of the most significant biological factors linked to the possibility of an occurrence of psychosis [5,6]. Diagnostic uncertainty will often arise in a first episode of psychosis with onset occurring during adolescence and psychotic onsets frequently follow a vague and insidious clinical course [7]. In some cases, it may be an extremely arduous task to have to distinguish between the typical behavior and rapidly-changing emotional and physiological manifestations of the adolescent period and traits having a more particular significance in psychopathological terms. Research studies indicate that offering adolescents treatment within social contexts besides at facilities which have the specific purpose of providing treatment, on either a hospital or out-patient basis, improves both the outcome and compliance to treatment

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Conclusion