Psychiatric Bulletin (2007) 31: 408-410. doi: 10.1192/pb.bp.106.013995
© 2007 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Delays in mental health services and duration of untreated psychosis

Kat Brunet, Clinical Psychologist

*School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, correspondence: Early Detection and Intervention Team, 1 Miller Street, Aston, Birmingham B6 4NH, email: k.brunet{at}bham.ac.uk

Max Birchwood, Professor of Mental Health

School of Psychology, University of Birmingham

Helen Lester, Professor of Primary Care

Department of Primary Care and General Practice, University of Birmingham

Kate Thornhill, Research Assistant

School of Psychology, University of Birmingham

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

To dissect duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) into three components: help-seeking delay, referral delay and delay in mental health services, all mental health services in a defined geographical region were screened over a period of 1 year. All cases of first-episode psychosis without a primary mood disorder were identified (n=55).

RESULTS

The median delay within secondary services was over seven times the delay in the referral pathway. The mean delay in mental health services accounted for 35% of overall DUP.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Intervention is required in secondary as well as primary care services if DUP is to be reduced.