Sung Wan Kim1; 1Chonnam National University Medical School; Mindlink, Gwangju Bukgu Community Mental Health Center
In Korea, mental health services are typically characterized by low accessibility to psychiatric treatment, high caseloads, and a relatively large incidence of inpatient care. The duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), which is related to a poor prognosis for patients with schizophrenia, is comparatively long in Korea relative to that of Western countries and may be attributed to the high level of stigma associated with psychosis and psychiatric treatment. Recently, early intervention services for young individuals with psychotic disorders have begun in Gwangju, Korea. We developed a Korean version of group CBT consisting of metacognitive training, cognitive restructuring, life style modification, and stress management. In addition, we developed and launched a smartphone application for cognitive–behavioral case management and symptom monitoring. Group CBT had a positive effect on the quality of life, attitude toward treatment, perceived stress, and suspiciousness of patients with early psychosis. These effects were particularly significant in patients with a short DUP. A smartphone application for case management was useful for young individuals with early psychosis. Furthermore, mean number of admissions and bed days were decreased after use of special early intervention service. This study may contribute to the development of a youth- and customer-friendly case management system for individuals with early psychosis in Asian countries.
