Qualitative study to explore the perspectives and mental health experiences of first episode psychosis patients and their caregivers in North India.

BACKGROUND: The onset of psychosis brings unfamiliar experiences that can be disturbing for patients and their caregivers. Few studies from India (only one from North India) have examined these experiences from the perspective of the patient and caregiver. We explored experiences of first episode psychosis (FEP) patients and their caregivers within a North Indian context. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2019 with ten FEP patients and their caregivers (total n=20) receiving out-patient care in a tertiary care centre. Topic guides focused on concerns/complaints, symptoms, help-seeking, and barriers and facilitators to treatment. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Main categories of responses from patients and caregivers included: initial complaints for seeking help, initial emotional response, barriers to seeking treatment, perceived dysfunction and improvement, experienced stigma, understanding about illness, early follow-up, preventive measures and awareness programs. Caregivers undergo myriad of emotional reactions including anger, anxiety, guilt, and confusion. Symptoms other than psychotic symptoms were the primary complaint upon seeking help, and there was lack of understanding about the psychosocial model of care (role of medications acknowledged with little awareness regarding psychosocial interventions in recovery). Persisting occupational dysfunction despite perceived symptomatic improvement was described by both patients and caregivers. CONCLUSION: North Indian patients with FEP lack awareness of symptoms. Therefore, onus for seeking help often falls on their caregivers. Psychoeducation from first contact with services and increasing awareness about psychotic illness within the community might help address lack of awareness about symptoms, mental health services, early signs of relapse, and importance of psychosocial interventions in achieving functional recovery.

Pilot study to test the feasibility and clinical efficacy of a psychosocial care programme for patients with psychosis in low-resource settings.

BACKGROUND: Home-based psychosocial care has the potential to improving outcomes in patients with schizophrenia and related disorders (SCZ). There is lack of India data for such care in early psychosis. We developed the "Saksham" programme, a bespoke self-managed home-based psychosocial care model, available in two formats: manual-based and mobile-application based. With the anticipated success of recruitment of early psychosis cases in our setting, we plan to test the such intervention in this population in future trials. AIM: To assess the feasibility of the Saksham programme intervention in people with SCZ and its clinical efficacy as an adjunct to treatment as usual. METHODS: Seventy-five patient-caregiver pairs (total n=150) were recruited. Patients received either: treatment-as-usual (TAU) (n=25), manual-based Saksham intervention+TAU (n=25), or app-based Saksham intervention+TAU (n=25). Feasibility (i.e. acceptability, practicality, demand, implementation and integration) was assessed at three-months. Participants were assessed for psychopathology, illness-severity, cognition, functioning, disability, and caregiver-coping at baseline, one-month, and three-month. The percentage changes over time were compared across three groups. RESULTS: More found the mobile application-based intervention acceptable and easy-to-use than the manual-based intervention (92 % vs 68 %, and 76 % vs 68 %, respectively). Psychopathology and caregiver-burden improved significantly in all three groups (p<0.05). Cognition, disability, functioning, and caregiver burden improved significantly in the two Saksham intervention groups, with greater improvement in the Saksham app group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Home-based intervention is feasible and acceptable in a low-resource setting, with preliminary evidence for effectiveness. These findings need corroboration with randomised controlled trials in early psychosis to ameliorate course of illness.

Effectiveness of a mental health literacy module on stigma related mental health knowledge and behaviour among youth in two educational settings in Chennai, South India: A quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Improving mental health literacy (MHL) can reduce stigma towards mental illness, decreasing delays in help-seeking for mental disorders such as psychosis. We aimed to develop and assess the impact of an interactive MHL intervention on stigma related mental health knowledge and behaviour (SRMHKB) among youth in two urban colleges in South India. METHODS: Incorporating input from stakeholders (students, teachers, and mental health professionals), we developed a mental health literacy module to address SRMHKB. The module was delivered as an interactive session lasting 90 min. We recruited 600 (300 males; 300 females; mean age 19.6) participants from two city colleges in Chennai from Jan-Dec 2019 to test the MHL module. We assessed SRMHKB before the delivery of the MHL intervention, immediately after, and at 3 and 6 months after the intervention using the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) and Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale (RIBS). We used generalised estimating equations (GEE) to assess the impact of the intervention over time. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, there was a statistically significant increase in stigma related knowledge and behaviour immediately after the intervention (coefficient=3.8; 95% CI: 3.5,4.1) and during the 3-month (coefficient=3.4; 95% CI: 3.0,3.7) and 6-month (coefficient=2.4; 95% CI: 2.0,2.7) follow-up. CONCLUSION: Preliminary findings suggest that a single 90-minute MHL interactive session could lead to improvements in SRMHKB among youth in India. Future research might utilise randomised controlled trials to corroborate findings, and explore how improvements can be sustained over the longer-term.

Protocol-based assessment and management of first episode psychosis: Comparison of short and medium-term outcomes in psychopathology, quality of life, functioning and family burden across two sites in India.

BACKGROUND: Standard assessment and management protocols exist for first episode psychosis (FEP) in high income countries. Due to cultural and resource differences, these need to be modified for application in low-and middle-income countries. AIMS: To assess the applicability of standard assessment and management protocols across two cohorts of FEP patients in North and South India by examining trajectories of psychopathology, functioning, quality of life and family burden in both. METHOD: FEP patients at two sites (108 at AIIMS, North India, and 115 at SCARF, South India) were assessed using structured instruments at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Standard management protocols consisted of treatment with antipsychotics and psychoeducation for patients and their families. Generalised estimating equation (GEE) modelling was carried out to test for changes in outcomes both across and between sites at follow-up. RESULTS: There was an overall significant improvement in both cohorts for psychopathology and other outcome measures. The trajectories of improvement differed between the two sites with steeper improvement in non-affective psychosis in the first three months at SCARF, and affective symptoms in the first three months at AIIMS. The reduction in family burden and improvement in quality of life were greater at AIIMS than at SCARF during the first three months. CONCLUSIONS: Despite variations in cultural contexts and norms, it is possible to implement FEP standard assessment and management protocols in North and South India. Preliminary findings indicate that FEP services lead to significant improvements in psychopathology, functioning, quality of life, and family burden within these contexts.

Development and validation of home-based psychosocial self-management interventions in schizophrenia and related disorders in low-resource settings: A mixed methods approach.

Background: Psychosocial interventions, crucial for recovery in patients with schizophrenia, have often been developed and tested in high income countries. We aimed at developing and validating home-based a booklet based psycho-social intervention with inputs from stakeholders: patients, families, and mental health professionals (MHP) for patients with schizophrenia and related disorders in low resource settings. Methods: We developed a preliminary version of psychosocial intervention booklets based on six themes derived from focus group discussions conducted with patients, families, and MHP. Initially, quantitative assessment of content validity was done by MHP on overall and Content Validity Index of individual items of the specific booklets, followed by in-depth interviews about their views. The booklets were modified based on their inputs. Further, pilot testing of manuals was done on the users - nine pairs of patients and caregivers followed by development of a final version of psycho-social intervention. Results: The percentage content validity of individual modules and overall booklets was ≥78.5% indicating good validity. Most MHP reported that the manuals were relevant and easy to use but were text-heavy, and lengthy. On pilot testing of modified manuals with patients and their family caregivers, majority (77.8%) of them found booklets useful and suggested that there should be separate booklets for both patients and caregivers for providing information and entering separate response for the activities, integrating helpful tips. Language should be simple. Finally, two sets of booklets ("info book" and "workbook") named 'Saksham' (meaning empowered) were created with specific modules (viz., 'Medicine adherence', 'Daily routine', 'Eating right', 'Physical activity', 'Physical health monitoring', 'Self-reliance', and 'Psychoeducation') for patients and caregivers each, in two languages (Hindi and English). Conclusion: Booklets with modules for psychosocial interventions for patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers were developed after establishing content validity and pilot testing.

Sociodemographic and clinical correlates of hallucinations in patients entering an early intervention program for first episode psychosis.

Hallucinations are a core feature of psychosis, and their severity during the acute phase of illness is associated with a range of poor outcomes. Various clinical and sociodemographic factors may predict hallucinations and other positive psychotic symptoms in first episode psychosis (FEP). Despite this, the precise factors associated with hallucinations at first presentation to an early intervention service have not been extensively researched. Through detailed interviews and chart reviews, we investigated sociodemographic and clinical predictors in 636 minimally-medicated patients who entered PEPP-Montréal, an early intervention service for FEP, between 2003 and 2018. Hallucinations were measured using the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), while negative symptoms were assessed using the Scale for the Assessment of Negative symptoms (SANS). Depressive symptoms were evaluated through the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), and anxiety symptoms via the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAS). A majority (n = 381, 59.9 %) of the sample presented with clinically significant hallucinations (SAPS global hallucinations score ≥ 3) at program entry. These patients had an earlier age at onset, fewer years of education, and a higher severity of delusions, depression and negative symptoms than those without clinical-level hallucinations. These results suggest that individuals with clinically significant hallucinations at admission tend to be younger and have a greater overall symptom burden. This makes it especially important to monitor hallucinations alongside delusions, depression and negative symptoms in order to identify who might benefit from targeted interventions. The implications of these findings for early intervention and person-centered care are discussed.

An analysis of financial hardship faced by patients with First Episode Psychosis, and their families, in an Indian setting.

BACKGROUND: The economic burden of psychotic disorders is not well documented in LMICs like India, due to several bottlenecks present in Indian healthcare system like lack of adequate resources, low budget for mental health services and inequity in accessibility of treatment. Hence, a large proportion of health expenditure is paid out of pocket by the households. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the direct and indirect costs incurred by patients with First Episode Psychosis and their families in a North Indian setting. METHOD: Direct and Indirect costs were estimated for 87 patients diagnosed at AIIMS, New Delhi with first-episode psychosis (nonaffective) in the first- and sixth month following diagnosis, and the six months before diagnosis, using a bespoke questionnaire. Indirect costs were valued using the Human Capital Approach. RESULTS: Mean total costs in month one were INR 7991 ($107.5). Indirect costs were 78.3% of this total. Productivity losses was a major component of the indirect cost. Transportation was a key component of direct costs. Costs fell substantially at six months (INR 2732, Indirect Costs 61%). Respondents incurred substantial costs pre-diagnosis, related to formal and informal care seeking and loss of income. CONCLUSION: Families suffered substantial productivity loss. Care models and financial protection that address this could substantially reduce the financial burden of mental illness. Measures to address disruption to work and education during FEP are likely to have significant long-term benefits. Families also suffered prolonged income loss pre-diagnosis, highlighting the benefits of early and effective diagnosis.

Designing and implementing a physical exercise intervention for people with first episode psychosis using experience-based co-design: A pilot study from Chennai, India.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise can improve outcomes for people with first-episode psychosis (FEP). Co-designing physical exercise interventions with end users has the potential to enhance their acceptability, feasibility, and long-term viability. This study's objective was to use experience-based co-design (EBCD) methodology to develop a physical exercise intervention for FEP, and pilot test it. METHODS: The study was conducted at the Schizophrenia Research Foundation's FEP program in Chennai, India. Participants(N=36) were individuals with FEP and their caregivers, mental health professionals (MHPs, and physical training experts. EBCD methodology included one-to-one interviews, focus group discussions, joint conferences, and co-design workshops. Two instructional videos were developed. Twelve FEP patients engaged in physical exercise with help of the videos over three months. They were followed up through weekly phone calls and in-person interviews to capture data on regularity, frequency, location of exercise, and comfort levels. RESULTS: Several touch points emerged from the interviews, focus groups, and joint meetings including lack of motivation, knowledge about physical exercise; differing perspectives about physical exercise; limited resource, and time constraints. Two instructional videos demonstrating activities for participants incorporated strategies that addressed these touch points. Pilot data indicated that participants engaged with the physical exercise intervention over 3 months. CONCLUSION: This was the first study to use co-design methodology to design a physical exercise intervention for first-episode psychosis. The intervention may have therefore been responsive to stakeholder needs and preferences. Results of this study highlight the potential of co-design in designing and adapting interventions. There is need for rigorous testing with larger samples.

Trajectories of Adolescent Media Use and Their Associations With Psychotic Experiences.

Importance: Adolescent media use is thought to influence mental health, but whether it is associated with psychotic experiences (PEs) is unclear. Objective: To examine longitudinal trajectories of adolescent media use and their associations with PEs at 23 years of age. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study included participants from the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (1998-2021): children who were born in Québec, Canada, and followed up annually or biennially from ages 5 months through 23 years. Data were analyzed between January 2023 and January 2024. Exposures: Participants reported their weekly amount of television viewing, video gaming, computer use, and reading at ages 12, 13, 15, and 17 years. Main Outcome and Measures: Lifetime occurrence of PEs was measured at 23 years of age. Covariables included sociodemographic, genetic, family, and childhood characteristics between ages 5 months and 12 years. Results: A total of 1226 participants were included in the analyses (713 [58.2%] female, 513 [41.8%] male). For each media type, latent class mixed modeling identified 3 group-based trajectories, with subgroups following trajectories of higher use: television viewing, 128 (10.4%); video gaming, 145 (11.8%); computer use, 353 (28.8%); and reading, 140 (11.4%). Relative to lower video gaming, higher video gaming was preceded by higher levels of mental health and interpersonal problems at age 12 years. Adjusting for these risk factors mitigated the association between higher video gaming and PEs at age 23 years. The curved trajectory of computer use (189 [15.4%] participants), characterized by increasing levels of use until age 15 years followed by a decrease, was associated with higher PEs (estimated difference, +5.3%; 95% CI, +1.5% to +9.3%) relative to lower use (684 [55.8%] participants). This association remained statistically significant after covariable adjustment. Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that longitudinal trajectories of media use during adolescence were modestly associated with PEs at age 23 years, likely reflecting the influence of shared risk factors. Understanding the environmental determinants and psychosocial functions of media use during adolescence may help better integrate digital technologies in the prevention and management of PEs.

Longitudinal inference of multiscale markers in psychosis: from hippocampal centrality to functional outcome.

Multiscale neuroscience conceptualizes mental illness as arising from aberrant interactions across and within multiple biopsychosocial scales. We leverage this framework to propose a multiscale disease progression model of psychosis, in which hippocampal-cortical dysconnectivity precedes impairments in episodic memory and social cognition, which lead to more severe negative symptoms and lower functional outcome. As psychosis represents a heterogeneous collection of biological and behavioral alterations that evolve over time, we further predict this disease progression for a subtype of the patient sample, with other patients showing normal-range performance on all variables. We sampled data from two cross-sectional datasets of first- and multi-episode psychosis, resulting in a sample of 163 patients and 119 non-clinical controls. To address our proposed disease progression model and evaluate potential heterogeneity, we applied a machine-learning algorithm, SuStaIn, to the patient data. SuStaIn uniquely integrates clustering and disease progression modeling and identified three patient subtypes. Subtype 0 showed normal-range performance on all variables. In comparison, Subtype 1 showed lower episodic memory, social cognition, functional outcome, and higher negative symptoms, while Subtype 2 showed lower hippocampal-cortical connectivity and episodic memory. Subtype 1 deteriorated from episodic memory to social cognition, negative symptoms, functional outcome to bilateral hippocampal-cortical dysconnectivity, while Subtype 2 deteriorated from bilateral hippocampal-cortical dysconnectivity to episodic memory and social cognition, functional outcome to negative symptoms. This first application of SuStaIn in a multiscale psychiatric model provides distinct disease trajectories of hippocampal-cortical connectivity, which might underlie the heterogeneous behavioral manifestations of psychosis.

Staging 2.0: refining transdiagnostic clinical staging frameworks to enhance reliability and utility for youth mental health.

Globally, 75% of depressive, bipolar, and psychotic disorders emerge by age 25 years. However, these disorders are often preceded by non-specific symptoms or attenuated clinical syndromes. Difficulties in determining optimal treatment interventions for these emerging mental disorders, and uncertainties about accounting for co-occurring psychopathology and illness trajectories, have led many youth mental health services to adopt transdiagnostic clinical staging frameworks. In this Health Policy paper, an international working group highlights ongoing challenges in applying transdiagnostic staging frameworks in clinical research and practice, and proposes refinements to the transdiagnostic model to enhance its reliability, consistent recording, and clinical utility. We introduce the concept of within-stage heterogeneity and describe the advantages of defining stage in terms of clinical psychopathology and stage modifiers. Using examples from medicine, we discuss the utility of categorising stage modifiers into factors associated with progression (ie, potential predictors of stage transition) and extension (ie, factors associated with the current presentation that add complexity to treatment selection). Lastly, we suggest how it is possible to revise the currently used transdiagnostic staging approach to incorporate these key concepts, and how the revised framework could be applied in clinical and research practice.

On the proportion of patients who experience a prodrome prior to psychosis onset: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Preventing or delaying the onset of psychosis requires identification of those at risk for developing psychosis. For predictive purposes, the prodrome - a constellation of symptoms which may occur before the onset of psychosis - has been increasingly recognized as having utility. However, it is unclear what proportion of patients experience a prodrome or how this varies based on the multiple definitions used. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of patients with psychosis with the objective of determining the proportion of patients who experienced a prodrome prior to psychosis onset. Inclusion criteria included a consistent prodrome definition and reporting the proportion of patients who experienced a prodrome. We excluded studies of only patients with a prodrome or solely substance-induced psychosis, qualitative studies without prevalence data, conference abstracts, and case reports/case series. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase (Ovid), APA PsycInfo (Ovid), Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, APA PsycBooks (Ovid), ProQuest Dissertation & Thesis, on March 3, 2021. Studies were assessed for quality using the Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies. Narrative synthesis and proportion meta-analysis were used to estimate prodrome prevalence. I2 and predictive interval were used to assess heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were used to probe sources of heterogeneity. (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021239797). RESULTS: Seventy-one articles were included, representing 13,774 patients. Studies varied significantly in terms of methodology and prodrome definition used. The random effects proportion meta-analysis estimate for prodrome prevalence was 78.3% (95% CI = 72.8-83.2); heterogeneity was high (I2 97.98% [95% CI = 97.71-98.22]); and the prediction interval was wide (95% PI = 0.411-0.936). There were no meaningful differences in prevalence between grouped prodrome definitions, and subgroup analyses failed to reveal a consistent source of heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first meta-analysis on the prevalence of a prodrome prior to the onset of first episode psychosis. The majority of patients (78.3%) were found to have experienced a prodrome prior to psychosis onset. However, findings are highly heterogenous across study and no definitive source of heterogeneity was found despite extensive subgroup analyses. As most studies were retrospective in nature, recall bias likely affects these results. While the large majority of patients with psychosis experience a prodrome in some form, it is unclear if the remainder of patients experience no prodrome, or if ascertainment methods employed in the studies were not sensitive to their experiences. Given widespread investment in indicated prevention of psychosis through prospective identification and intervention during the prodrome, a resolution of this question as well as a consensus definition of the prodrome is much needed in order to effectively direct and organize services, and may be accomplished through novel, densely sampled and phenotyped prospective cohort studies that aim for representative sampling across multiple settings.

Personal Recovery Among People at Risk for Developing Serious Mental Health Problems: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Personal recovery refers to a person's pursuit of a full, meaningful life despite the potentially debilitating impact of a mental illness. An evidence base describing personal recovery among people at risk for developing a mental illness is lacking, limiting the potential for mental health services to support personal recovery. To address this gap, the authors synthesized the extant research describing personal recovery among people at risk for developing a mental illness. METHODS: A systematic search of several literature databases (MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycInfo, Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Library) was conducted to retrieve qualitative and case studies and first-person accounts. The Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. Included studies reported on participants at variable risk for developing a schizophrenia spectrum, bipolar, major depressive, or borderline personality disorder. Articles were retrieved through a librarian-assisted search and through use of additional strategies (e.g., expert consultation). Abstracts were screened by the research team, and themes were developed by using thematic synthesis. RESULTS: The 36 included articles were synthesized, and six themes were generated: difficulties and challenges; establishing an understanding of, and finding ways to cope with, one's mental health challenges; reestablishing a sense of agency and personhood; receiving support from people and services, as well as restoring relationships; reestablishing hope, meaning, and purpose; and overcoming stigma and destigmatizing mental illness in others. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide a conceptual foundation that can guide future research on personal recovery and clinical interventions that foster it among people at risk for mental illness.

Enlarged pituitary gland volume: a possible state rather than trait marker of psychotic disorders.

BACKGROUND: Enlarged pituitary gland volume could be a marker of psychotic disorders. However, previous studies report conflicting results. To better understand the role of the pituitary gland in psychosis, we examined a large transdiagnostic sample of individuals with psychotic disorders. METHODS: The study included 751 participants (174 with schizophrenia, 114 with schizoaffective disorder, 167 with psychotic bipolar disorder, and 296 healthy controls) across six sites in the Bipolar-Schizophrenia Network on Intermediate Phenotypes consortium. Structural magnetic resonance images were obtained, and pituitary gland volumes were measured using the MAGeT brain algorithm. Linear mixed models examined between-group differences with controls and among patient subgroups based on diagnosis, as well as how pituitary volumes were associated with symptom severity, cognitive function, antipsychotic dose, and illness duration. RESULTS: Mean pituitary gland volume did not significantly differ between patients and controls. No significant effect of diagnosis was observed. Larger pituitary gland volume was associated with greater symptom severity (F = 13.61, p = 0.0002), lower cognitive function (F = 4.76, p = 0.03), and higher antipsychotic dose (F = 5.20, p = 0.02). Illness duration was not significantly associated with pituitary gland volume. When all variables were considered, only symptom severity significantly predicted pituitary gland volume (F = 7.54, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Although pituitary volumes were not increased in psychotic disorders, larger size may be a marker associated with more severe symptoms in the progression of psychosis. This finding helps clarify previous inconsistent reports and highlights the need for further research into pituitary gland-related factors in individuals with psychosis.

Role of Early Psychosis Detection in the Relationship Between Personal Income and Duration of Untreated Psychosis.

OBJECTIVE: Prolonged duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) predicts poor outcomes of first-episode psychosis (FEP) and is often linked to low socioeconomic status (SES). The authors sought to determine whether patients' personal income, used as a proxy for SES, predicts length of DUP and whether personal income influences the effect of an early psychosis detection campaign-called Mindmap-on DUP reduction. METHODS: Data were drawn from a trial that compared the effectiveness of early detection in reducing DUP across the catchment area of an FEP service (N=147 participants) compared with an FEP service with no early detection (N=75 participants). Hierarchical regression was used to determine whether personal income predicted DUP when analyses controlled for effects of age, race, and exposure to early psychosis detection. A group × personal income interaction term was used to assess whether the DUP difference between the early detection and control groups differed by personal income. RESULTS: Lower personal income was significantly associated with younger age, fewer years of education, Black race, and longer DUP. Personal income predicted DUP beyond the effects of age, race, and early psychosis detection. Although Mindmap significantly reduced DUP across all income levels, this effect was smaller for participants reporting lower personal income. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' personal income may be an important indicator of disparity in access to specialty care clinics across a wide range of settings. Early detection efforts should measure and target personal income and other SES indicators to improve access for all individuals who may benefit from FEP services.

Five Years of Youth Engagement with Kids Help Phone Canada (Part 1): Phone, Chat, Text, and Peer-to-Peer Service Usage Nationally, Provincially, and Over Time.

Background: Child and youth mental health problems represent a substantial burden of illness in Canada, with appropriate services only inconsistently available. Charitable organizations, such as Kids Help Phone (KHP), are, therefore, crucial to filling system gaps by offering 24/7 phone, chat, texting, and peer-to-peer services. Methods: We describe the services provided by KHP, the volume of use for each service, and compare usage across Canada's provinces and territories for a 5-year period from January 2018 to December 2022. Trends seen during the COVID-19 pandemic are highlighted. Results: More than 1.5 million total number of conversations were held across texting, chat, and phone services over 5 years. Considerable growth is demonstrated between 2018 and 2022, and many of the highest peaks in volume occurred in March or April of 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The highest proportional volumes were consistently from the northern territories. Discussion: KHP cannot provide specialized or repeat services, nor can it alone meet the scale of unmet youth mental health needs across the country. Nonetheless, KHP plays a pivotal role in the Canadian mental health system. Efforts to understand the role that KHP and other e-mental health services like it play within the national mental health landscape should be intensified to aid in understanding unmet needs, identify system gaps, and make needed enhancements.

Five Years of Youth Engagement with Kids Help Phone Canada (Part 2): Issues Discussed Over Phone, Chat, Text, and Peer-to-Peer Services by Age Range.

Background: There is substantial unmet need for child and youth mental health problems in Canada. Charitable organizations, such as Kids Help Phone (KHP), are critical to filling system gaps, offering 24/7 e-mental health services outside the formal health care system. Methods: For the 5-year period from January 2018 to December 2022, we describe issues discussed by young people accessing KHP's services, and examine variations across different service platforms and age groups. Results: The most discussed issues across all service platforms and age groups were anxiety/stress, depression/sadness, and relationships. Suicide was most frequently discussed over text and Live Chat compared with other services, and was proportionally most discussed by young people 10-13 years of age on the phone and text services compared with other age ranges. Sexual abuse and violence were most frequently discussed by children 0-5 and 6-9 years of age across services. Discussion: Our analysis provides a unique snapshot into the concerns faced by children and youth across Canada, as well as the issues for which KHP is seen as an accessible place to seek support. Our findings can guide the future development of health promotion activities, and assist in new service development.

Development of the PSYCHS: Positive SYmptoms and Diagnostic Criteria for the CAARMS Harmonized with the SIPS.

AIM: To harmonize two ascertainment and severity rating instruments commonly used for the clinical high risk syndrome for psychosis (CHR-P): the Structured Interview for Psychosis-risk Syndromes (SIPS) and the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS). METHODS: The initial workshop is described in the companion report from Addington et al. After the workshop, lead experts for each instrument continued harmonizing attenuated positive symptoms and criteria for psychosis and CHR-P through an intensive series of joint videoconferences. RESULTS: Full harmonization was achieved for attenuated positive symptom ratings and psychosis criteria, and modest harmonization for CHR-P criteria. The semi-structured interview, named Positive SYmptoms and Diagnostic Criteria for the CAARMS Harmonized with the SIPS (PSYCHS), generates CHR-P criteria and severity scores for both CAARMS and SIPS. CONCLUSIONS: Using the PSYCHS for CHR-P ascertainment, conversion determination, and attenuated positive symptom severity rating will help in comparing findings across studies and in meta-analyses.