Psychiatry Investig.  2018 Mar;15(3):320-324. 10.30773/pi.2017.06.19.

School Counselors' Recognition of the Ultra-High Risk for Psychosis

• Lee JY
• Chung YC
• Kim JM
• Shin IS
• Yoon JS
• Kim SW

• KMID: 2429162
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.30773/pi.2017.06.19

Abstract

The ability to identify students at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis in school settings is crucial for enabling appropriate referral to a clinician and positive therapeutic results. The aim of this study was to examine school counselors' recognition of the diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations for students at UHR for psychosis. In total, 132 school counselors completed surveys, including questions relating to a vignette about a student at UHR for psychosis. In total, 12.4% of the sample provided the correct diagnosis, much lower than that for other schizophrenia spectrum disorders and non-psychotic disorders, including depressive disorder. Although most school counselors preferred psychiatrists as the first-line treatment for students at UHR for psychosis, counseling centers were also mentioned as potential treatment options. In terms of medication, antipsychotics were preferred over other medication classes. It is necessary to design appropriate educational and training programs for school counselors to promote identification and effective referral of those at UHR for psychosis.

Keyword

School counselor; Ultra-high risk for psychosis; Recognition; Vignette

MeSH Terms

Antipsychotic Agents
Counseling
Depressive Disorder
Diagnosis
Education
Humans
Psychiatry
Psychotic Disorders*
Referral and Consultation
Schizophrenia
Antipsychotic Agents