Early intervention in youth psychosis: Novel approaches to understanding change.

Untreated psychosis in adolescents and young adults is associated with significant and progressive impairment. Early intervention to provide support and treatment for those at risk of psychosis is essential. Several early intervention models have been developed for those at-risk and those who are victims of a recent episode - including the Portland Identification and Early Referral model (PIER; McFarlane, 2001). This study extends previous work demonstrating a variety of positive treatment outcomes achieved by PIER in the context of a large-scale implementation across the state of Delaware. The sample included 108 youth and young adults who were either at risk for psychosis or had already experienced a first episode within the past two years. Participants received the PIER treatment model and were followed from baseline to six months after they were discharged from treatment. Researchers predicted that PIER participants would experience an increase in functioning and a decrease in positive psychosis symptoms. Change over time was examined through the lens of two analytic techniques: the Reliable Change Index (RCI) analyses and Growth Curve Modeling (GCM). Results show improvement on a number of outcomes over the course of the intervention as expected. Clinical implications, limitations, and suggestions for further research are discussed.

A resilient research approach: Using community-based participatory action research in a rural area of India.

This community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) study describes a method for evaluating an after-school resilience-focused intervention in a low-resource rural area of southern India. Communities Rising, a locally developed resilience and academic program, was evaluated in a cross-continent collaboration between a research team at a U.S. university and the local community. The CBPAR literature highlights the importance of cultural considerations, community considerations, and community participation in the research process. The present case study describes the CBPAR research process and considerations at every phase of the research project, providing a road map of how community engagement can strengthen research, empower the community, and provide valuable knowledge. This study was conducted in three phases that focused on inclusion of local voices in the development both of the resilience program and the evaluation data collection process. Youth surveyors were particularly key to the research process. Data on participant demographics, satisfaction with the program, and qualitative contributions are also provided. Strengths and limitations of this study process in a rural community are discussed.