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Why is EIP important?
Early Interventions in Psychosis (EIP) is a therapeutically optimistic approach to working with young people who may be experiencing symptoms of psychosis for the first time. The approach is underpinned by evidence which suggests that the sooner psychosis is detected and treated the better the prognosis is for the individual. Early detection of emerging psychosis and minimum delay in access to evidence-based interventions are the keys to successful implementation of the EIP approach through this critical phase of illness.
The longer the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), the greater the probability that the illness will cause more severe, long-term damage to the sufferer and their relatives. Worsening of disturbing symptoms, loss of social role and status, discrimination, loss of self-esteem and self-confidence, strained relationships with relatives, physical ill health, depression, anxiety and suicide risk are common outcomes when psychosis goes untreated. Effective delivery of EIP has been shown to reduce the likelihood and severity of negative outcomes as well as maximising social and occupational functioning. Additionally, longer untreated illness is also associated with more frequent and longer hospital admissions. EIP aims to reduce the need for hospital admission and the associated progression into mental health services.
The current best practice in terms of evidence based interventions for this client group is a bio-psycho-social approach. Low dose of a new generation atypical anti-psychotic medication coupled with a cognitive-behavioural approach to symptom management and family interventions has been shown to be most effective in minimising the potentially damaging impact of psychosis on sufferers and their carers. Also the EIP approach aims to reduce relapse through working with individuals in order to identify their own unique early warning signs which may indicate that they are becoming unwell. This can then be used to plan what an individual, their carer and workers can do to try to prevent or minimise the impact of a relapse. Empowerment, an attitude of hope and potential for recovery are fundamental in delivering EIP. |
