PEPP: Improving the Early Identification of Psychosis in Youth

Thanks to our CIUSSS’ Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychosis (PEPP), we can now identify the early stages of psychosis in youth and provide treatment and support. The early identification and diagnosis of mental illness can be difficult, especially in young people. An increasing number of tools are becoming available however, making it possible to provide symptomatic individuals with help and  support as quickly as possible. 

The PEPP provides support services for clients and family members interested in being involved and supporting their loved one. “We are here to help those who are having their first episode of psychosis,” says Andrea Ami, a nurse clinician and case manager with the PEPP. “To date, more than 70 individuals have benefited from our services and we receive more than one new request each week.”   

A collaborative effort

Those who seek help and who present with early symptoms of psychosis are quickly placed under the care of the PEPP. From there, they are directed to medical as well as social and community resources such as those available at the Lakeshore General Hospital and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. “Our clients can be young teens from all walks of life as this illness does not discriminate.  Psychosis can be triggered by a traumatic or stressful event,” adds Ms. Ami. “Once everything is in place though, the chances of making a full recovery are very high. About 80% of our clients recover within the first year, and our success rate jumps to 95% during the second year,” concludes Ms. Ami. 

The PEPP at our CIUSSS is open to individuals:

• Between the ages of 14 and 35
• Living with affective or non-affective psychosis
• Who have never been treated for psychosis or who have not taken antipsychotic medication for more than 30 days 
• Who do not have organic brain damage, a pervasive developmental disorder, an intellectual disability or epilepsy
• Who do not fall under the scope of forensic pathology

For more on the PEPP, click here.