Recent research from McGill University may aid clinicians in comprehending the progression of delusions in young individuals, indicating when timely intervention is crucial to avert a complete relapse into psychosis.
Delusions—intense beliefs that diverge from widely accepted realities—are a hallmark symptom of psychosis, yet they remain poorly understood.
For the first time, researchers examined whether the themes of delusions, like paranoia or grandiosity, remain constant or change across different psychotic episodes in young adults receiving early intervention.
The significance of prompt treatment
Importantly, most individuals did not experience any relapses following their initial episode, underscoring the effectiveness of early treatment and the necessity for better access to such services. According to Youth Mental Health Canada, around 75 percent of children with mental health issues do not utilize specialized treatment services.
“Early intervention is vital for providing young people the best possibility for long-lasting recovery,” stated lead author Gil Grunfeld, a recent master’s graduate from McGill’s Department of Psychiatry, who is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Boston University.
Identifying patterns in delusions
The study, published in Jama Psychiatry, revealed that in the less common cases of relapse, patients typically exhibited the same type of delusion as in their primary episode.
“The recurrence of similar themes may indicate that the mind is echoing patterns observed in previous episodes,” explained Grunfeld.
“Identifying this pattern of delusions in individuals who later relapse can assist clinicians in better grasping their patients’ experiences and adapting the care they offer,” shared Dr. Jai Shah, an Associate Professor in McGill’s Department of Psychiatry and a researcher at the Douglas Hospital Research Centre.
He added that delusions often continued even as other symptoms improved, suggesting that they may require distinct treatment approaches.
“Delusions can be extremely distressing and challenging to articulate, making it vital to bridge the gap in research. There is significant work ahead,” said Grunfeld.
The team tracked approximately 600 patients aged 14 to 35 over a period of up to two years, all of whom were receiving care at an early-intervention service for psychosis in Montreal.
This study was supported by the Fonds de Recherche du Québec-Santé, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canada Research Chairs program, and McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
