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. 2019 Dec;13(6):1389-1395.
doi: 10.1111/eip.12779. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Family processes and duration of untreated psychosis among US Latinos

Mercedes Hernandez  1 , Maria Y Hernandez  1 , Daisy Lopez  1 , Concepción Barrio  2 , Diana Gamez  1 , Steven R López  1
Affiliations

Family processes and duration of untreated psychosis among US Latinos

Mercedes Hernandez et al. Early Interv Psychiatry. 2019 Dec.

Abstract

Aim: Little is known about family processes and treatment seeking among Latinos with first-episode psychosis (FEP) living in the United States. This study examined family processes prior to treatment and their relation to duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) among Latinos with FEP and their family caregivers.

Methods: Thirty-three Latinos with FEP and their low-acculturated family caregivers (n = 33) participated in qualitative semi-structured interviews focused on treatment-seeking experience and family relationships. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis and themes were grouped based on short (n = 18) or long (n = 15) DUP.

Results: Findings revealed differences based on DUP length. Patients with short DUP had stronger family relationships characterized by open communication and disclosure of symptoms that facilitated awareness and direct action by family caregivers. However, patients with long DUP had more troubled family relationships that often challenged early treatment seeking.

Conclusions: Findings highlight the relevance of family context in the provision of early treatment for Latinos with FEP. Family-based services are needed that increase awareness of symptoms and provide families with support that can facilitate ongoing patient treatment during this critical period.

Keywords: Latinos; duration of untreated psychosis; family caregivers; first-episode psychosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement: The authors certify their responsibility for the research presented and they report no known conflict of interest.

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