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Early Psychosis Intervention ( Epi ) Program Essay

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Once hospitalized, SC was enrolled in the Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) Program. This pilot provides timely treatment for individuals under 25 who are newly diagnosed, or have untreated psychosis (Vancouver Coastal Health, 2016). SC met these criteria. EPI is based on the idea that if psychosis is recognized and treated early, interventions can limit the potential for ongoing negative consequences (BC Early Psychosis Intervention Program, 2016). Although this was SC’s fourth hospitalization, this was her first time on the EPI. By not being treated effectively on her first admission, her chances of success were reduced. A substantial barrier for EPI is a client’s delay, or refusal to access services (BC Schizophrenia Society, 2012). SC had not been ready to accept treatment during previous admissions. Lappin et al. (2016) also argue that there needs to be available services specifically for young adults early in their illness that also have particular interventions for drug related psychosis. This addictions component is not specifically addressed in the current EPI model. However, it specifically targets young adults.
As well as additional monitoring of EPI, SC was being stabilized through medications. Her pharmaceutical interventions included suboxone to treat substance dependence, gabapentin as a mood stabilizer, olanzepine for psychosis and zopiclone for insomnia (Vallerand, Sanoski, & Deglin, 2015). However, only offering abstinence rather than a harm

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