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KMID : 1177220070100010011
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Korean Journal of Schizophrenia Research
2007 Volume.10 No. 1 p.11 ~ p.17
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Referral Routes and Clinical Characteristics of Visitors to " Early Assessment Clinics" : Results of 18 Months Operation
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Kim Ji-Hoon
Lim Eun-Sung
Lee Keon-Hak
Li Chun-Rong
Chung Young-Chul
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Abstract
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Objectives：With the objectives of providing early psychosocial intervention to high risk subjects (people with subclinical state and off-spring of patients with schizophrenia) and fast referral of patients with mental disorder to nearby hospital or private clinics, “Early Assessment Clinic” was established within the Jeonju Mental Health Center in 2005. The clinic offered service to those aged only 13-35 years old. We report referral routes and clinical characteristics of visitors to the clinic during the 18 months.
Methods：We classified referral routes by institutes which played important role to make subjects visit to the clinic. Diagnostic interview was performed using ICD-10. For subclinical state, classification names in the appendix of ICD-10 was used and “Problem” was substituted instead of “Disorder” to those who present similar clinical features of a mental disorder but short of its severity. For identifying ultra-high risk subjects, Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental State (CAARMS) was used. Psychosocial intervention was provided to those with subclinical states or mild form of mental disorders while subjects with other mental disorders were referred to hospital.
Results：The total number of visitors aged 13-35 to the clinic was 60. The referral sources were mental health center, school, adolescence counseling center and etc in order. Thirty seven were diagnosed with mental disorders and 14 with subclinical states, 8 were normal and 1 could not be classified due to lack of information. The ultra-high risk subjects were 6 in total. Brief explanation and advice were given one time to 17 subjects who were normal or diagnosed with subclinical states or mental disorder but having problem of cooperation. Psychosocial intervention was provided to 24 subjects while 19 were referred to hospital.
Conclusion：Early assessment clinic can be a model in terms of strengthening selective and indicated prevention of mental disorders. For further development, public awareness and education and systematic linkage among related mental health organizations are essential and “Early Assessment Center” or “Youth Center” with easy accessibility and familiarity need to be established.
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KEYWORD
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Early assessment clinic, Ulta-high risk subjects, Prevention
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