Mental Health Literacy and Information Needs of Young Persons with Psychosis and their Support Persons

Abstract

Background First episode psychosis can significantly impact both young people and their loved ones who provide support. Recognizing that a young person is experiencing psychosis can be a crucial first step in accessing appropriate services. Higher mental health literacy may facilitate improved symptom recognition and reduce the stigma associated with psychosis. The aim of this research was to evaluate the mental health literacy and information needs of young people experiencing early-onset psychosis and of their loved ones who provide support. Methods Participants were recruited from an early psychosis clinic in Central Canada. A total of 57 service users and 43 support persons participated (N = 100) from December 2021 to February 2023. Data were collected through an online mixed-methods survey. Linear and logistic regressions were conducted to determine whether higher mental health literacy predicted improved outcomes among both groups (e.g., treatment satisfaction, psychiatric hospital admissions, use of crisis services). Linear regressions examined whether longer treatment predicted higher mental health literacy and lower information needs. Participants identified specific information needs and preferences through two open-ended questions, which were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Results Higher mental health literacy significantly predicted higher treatment satisfaction among service users and support persons, and lower stress levels among service users. Longer involvement in the treatment service significantly predicted greater willingness to seek information about psychosis from a pre-determined list of sources, including family, friends, and mental health clinicians. Both service users and support persons predominately had a moderate to good understanding of psychosis and did not endorse stigmatizing beliefs about psychosis. Both groups had a broad range of information preferences. Participants identified additional information needs related to the themes: Psychosis: Diagnosis and Recovery, Treatment, and Healthy Functioning; and preferred to learn content through Reliable Sources, Group Programming, and Peer Support. Conclusions Findings highlight the important role that mental health literacy can play in treatment satisfaction for both young persons experiencing psychosis and their support persons, and provide a better understanding of information needs and preferences of these groups. These findings have implications for both psychoeducation and treatment planning.