August 2, 2017
Posted by:
IEPA
Early intervention for young Koreans with early psychosis
Psychotic disorders mostly develop in the late teens and 20s.
If young individuals with psychosis receive intensive initial treatment at the appropriate time, they can recover completely. However, in many cases, these patients experience frequent recurrence due to treatment discontinuation and the burden of social/occupational stress. For full recovery, patients not only need pharmacologic treatment but also comprehensive psychosocial interventions, including individual cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, and socio-vocational assistance. However, in Korea, many patients with psychosis do not see a psychiatrist until more than one year after psychotic symptoms occur, due to social stigma.
The Korean Society for Schizophrenia Research is working to promote the establishment of an early intervention center for the intensive treatment of young individuals with early psychosis/schizophrenia in Korea. They have begun a campaign with a petition in pursuit of this.
“To the people overseas who share our values,” says Young Chul Chung of Chonbuk National University Psychiatry Department, “please participate in this campaign so that our new Korean government recognizes the importance of youth mental health and sets up early intervention centers in hub areas.
“Your support and encouragement will allow us to pursue our dream.”
To show you support, follow the Korean Facebook page to support the campaign with likes, sharing and/or comments. Otherwise, you can show your support via email to Young Chul Chung, Vice President of IEPA Asia Pacific, who can add you to the petition: chungyc@jbnu.ac.kr
