Patrick Ryan

‘Not of this world’: The subjective experience of late-onset psychosis

Objectives: Psychosis with first onset after the age of 60 arising in the absence of dementia or primary affective disorder is thought to affect 2–4% of older people. Up to half will not respond fully to medication.The subjective experience of living with late-onset psychosis (LOP) has not yet been considered and this study represents a preliminary attempt to explore the subjective experience and psychological features of older people living with LOP. Method: The study was conducted in Ireland. Seven participants between the ages of 67 and 87 years who met diagnostic criteria for very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Participants spoke about previous life experiences as well as the experience of developing and living with LOP. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to identify common themes within their accounts. Results: Four themes emerged which reflected participants’ subjective experiences of earlier life stages as well as their current experiences of LOP. Three interrelated themes described participants’ experiences of social isolation, a solitary coping style and the experience of the self as ‘different’. A final theme reflected participants’ attempts to explain and find meaning in their psychotic experiences. Conclusions: Results support the view that the experience of LOP emerges in the context of psychosocial vulnerabilities combined with adversities associated with the experience of ageing.

Role of the general practitioner in providing early intervention for youth mental health: a mixed methods investigation.

Youth suicide in Ireland is now the second highest in the European Union. General practitioners (GPs), as the health‐care professional most often consulted by young people, have a central role in early detection of youth mental health problems. However, evidence regarding the perspectives of young people and health‐care workers towards screening and treatment for such issues in primary care in Ireland is lacking.

Understanding Young People's Relationship Breakups Using the Dual Processing Model of Coping and Bereavement

ABSTRACT The aim of the current study was to explore young people’s experiences of and adjustment to romantic relationship breakup by reference to the Dual Processing Model of Coping and Bereavement (DPM; Stroebe & Schut, 1999). Participants were 31 registered forum users and 10 forum moderators. Findings were based on thematic analyses of messages posted on an Internet-mediated discussion forum over a 12-month period. Coping responses include availing of emotional support, self-expression, distraction, and indulgence in substance use or changes in eating behaviors. There appeared to be a reprioritization of values and opportunities for personal development and engagement in new and fulfilling relationships. The themes identified in the analysis broadly map onto the main elements of the DPM.