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The liminal space of first-episode psychosis and its treatment : A qualitative study exploring the experience of young people participating in an antipsychotic dose reduction randomized controlled trial
Gates, Jesse Ellinghaus, Carli Valentine, Lee Kamitsis, Ilias Stainton, Alexandra Harrigan, Susy Thompson, Andrew Álvarez-Jiménez, Mario Wood, Stephen Polari, Andrea
Gates, Jesse
Ellinghaus, Carli
Valentine, Lee
Kamitsis, Ilias
Stainton, Alexandra
Harrigan, Susy
Thompson, Andrew
Álvarez-Jiménez, Mario
Wood, Stephen
Polari, Andrea
Abstract
Objective: The current guidelines recommend continuation of antipsychotic medication for a minimum of at least 1 year following a first episode of psychosis (FEP). There have been several trials investigating whether early dose reduction or cessation leads to improved functional outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the experience of consenting to and participating in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of antipsychotic medication cessation. Method: Five participants in the Reduce trial—an RCT evaluating early antipsychotic medication dose reduction/cessation following FEP—aged 22–24 years completed a semistructured qualitative interview following the RCT. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was undertaken to understand the key themes. Results: A superordinate theme was derived from interviews: the Liminal Space of FEP and treatment. Themes within the Liminal Space included: rejection versus identification with psychosis, medication as symbolic of illness versus wellness, embodiment of wellness and illness with medication, medication as symbolic of independence versus dependence, discovery of independence when autonomously choosing medication, the Reduce trial offered safety to navigate the liminal space, and self-exploration versus altruism. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: The experience and treatment of FEP involves young people feeling torn between multiple, competing perspectives, demands, and priorities. Participation in an RCT exploring dose reduction provided additional supports contributing to the perception of greater safety to navigate their own experiences of treatment that was appropriate for them. When treatment is experienced as collaborative, involves shared decision making and support, other than medication, young people feel more equipped to navigate the liminal space. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).
Keywords
first-episode psychosis, qualitative, antipsychotic medication cessation, autonomy, stigma
Date
2024
Type
Journal article
Journal
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal
Book
Volume
47
Issue
4
Page Range
313-321
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled
Notes
© 2024 American Psychological Association.