Pubdate: Fri, 29 Sep 2006 Source: Statesman Journal (Salem, OR) Copyright: 2006 Statesman Journal Contact: http://www.statesmanjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/427 Author: Tamara G. Sale, Note: The author is an EAST Program coordinator for the Mid-Valley Behavioral Care Network. MANY TEENS SUFFER FROM UNTREATED PSYCHOSIS June Kell's tragic death reminds us that even the most hopeful, positive young person can find herself vulnerable and sleeping outside. In most situations, this kind of tragedy can be prevented. Many homeless people end up that way because of untreated psychosis, a highly treatable and common medical condition. Untreated, teens and young adults with psychosis often lose their homes, their ability to take care of themselves, their family support and their ability to protect themselves from harm. With early treatment and support, families stay together and young people become successful adults. Every parent should know that three in 100 young people will experience psychosis, usually starting between the ages of 15 and 25. The illness is caused by an imbalance of brain neurotransmitters. Early signs may include a significant drop in school or work performance, social withdrawal or a sudden change in friends, significant sleep changes, unfounded fears that others are trying to cause harm, new and bizarre ideas or changed perceptions such as colors becoming more intense or hearing voices when no one else does. Later symptoms can include seeing or hearing things that others don't (hallucinations), bizarre ideas inconsistent with reality (delusions), and speech or behavior that make no sense to others. Psychosis is often mistaken for drug use, and people experiencing psychosis may turn to drugs to deal with symptoms. Fortunately, in Marion County and four other counties, the EAST Program (Early Assessment and Support Team) offers help when psychosis first begins. EAST offers counselors and doctors who are creative, flexible and persistent. Their goal is to identify psychosis and to provide information, support and effective treatment to the person and family before the consequences begin. When a local 17-year-old was referred to EAST, his parents were ready to kick him out because he was getting angry and had punched his father. An athlete with good grades, the boy had stopped seeing friends and wasn't going to school. His parents thought it was drugs. They didn't know that he was hearing voices and seeing things that confused and frightened him, and which he thought were somehow being caused by others. He was unable to read a complete page because of symptoms, and couldn't keep up in school. The EAST counselor knew how to approach the boy and learned about these unusual experiences. He convinced the teen to see a doctor and explained what was happening to the family. With the right treatment and support, the boy completed high school and is working and taking college classes. So learn the signs, spread the word and call right away if a young person you know starts showing possible signs of psychosis. Anyone who calls EAST can receive problem-solving and information. EAST provides outreach, support and treatment regardless of ability to pay. With an educated community and the help available, our teens and young adults can get the medical care they need and remain full contributors to society. - ------------------- Tamara G. Sale of Beaverton is the EAST Program coordinator for the Mid-Valley Behavioral Care Network. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine