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College Years: Peak Time for Psychosis Onset
26 May
Summary
- College years are a critical period for new psychosis diagnoses.
- Most students with psychosis don't receive recommended treatment.
- Early intervention is vital for improved student outcomes.
The college years are identified as a prime period for the onset of mental illnesses involving psychosis. Researchers have found that a significant majority of college students who seek mental health care following a psychotic episode do not receive the recommended treatment.
This lack of adherence to guidelines, which typically involves counseling, therapy, and medication, could have serious consequences. Experts emphasize that early intervention is important for improving overall quality of life and reducing symptom severity.
The study revealed that nearly 60% of participants did not meet the recommended guidelines for a combination of antipsychotic medications and therapy. While most students sought counseling or therapy, a much smaller proportion took antipsychotic medication.
Researchers suggest that stigma surrounding mental health issues might contribute to the low medication rates. Support from friends and professionals appears to increase the likelihood of students obtaining necessary medication, highlighting the crucial role of support systems in navigating mental health services.
