Client and key worker ratings of need in first-episode psychosis early intervention programmes.

AIM: The aim of this study was to fill a gap in the literature by examining agreement on need as rated by clients and their key workers from first-episode psychosis early intervention programmes. Compared with adult populations and more chronic courses of illness, these clients may have unique needs given the onset of their illness in adolescence or early adulthood. METHODS: Needs agreement between clients and key workers was assessed using the Camberwell Assessment of Need in a sample of 188 client-key worker pairs recruited from six early intervention programmes in Ontario, Canada. Ratings were assessed with percentage agreement and prevalence-adjusted Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: At the aggregate level, both clients and key workers rated a mean of 2.6 unmet needs. Compared with other diagnoses, key workers rated significantly more unmet need in clients with primary psychotic disorders. Agreement between individual client and key worker ratings was highest (adjusted κ > 0.85) in the domains of telephone, risk to others, child care and accommodation. Lowest agreement (adjusted κ < 0.4) was found in the domains of psychological distress, sexual expression, company, daytime activities and intimate relationships. CONCLUSIONS: While congruence is present in concrete domains, there is substantial variability in how clients and their key workers perceive need in more personal areas. The initial focus of care may necessarily be on needs such as shelter, food and treatment; however, subsequent care should incorporate a shared assessment of need to support strong relationships with providers and ongoing engagement in treatment.

The effects of gender on adolescent suicide in ontario, Canada.

OBJECTIVE: Identify patterns of suicide amongst male and female adolescents aged 11-18 years in Ontario. METHOD: All 370 adolescent suicides in Ontario between January 2000 and November 2006 were analyzed. Previous attempts, history of psychiatric treatment, location committed and method of suicide were assessed. Data was analyzed using 2-tailed t-tests and chi-square without Yates' correction. RESULTS: Male adolescent suicide was twice as common as female suicide. Males were more likely to use violent methods (p=0.0352) and females were more likely to have a history of a previous suicide attempt (p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: While most of the data agree with previous studies in adult populations, the ratio of male to female suicides was much lower in our adolescent population.