Early intervention psychosis projects successful, despite staff and budgetary issues

Psychosis was characterised by “losing touch with reality”, often involving hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. File picture

Two pilot early intervention projects for people who are beginning to show symptoms of psychosis have demonstrated success, despite ingrained staffing and budgetary problems within the HSE.

The projects – in Cork city and Sligo – provided a rapid assessment of service users with a majority of clients engaging with services and therapies and almost half securing employment. A third pilot project – in Meath – didn't proceed because of challenges in recruiting staff.