From manageable to losing control: A grounded theory study of psychosis risk syndrome
Journal
Early Intervention in Psychiatry
Pages
574-581
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study is to develop a theoretical explanation of the prodromal schizophrenia process, or so-called psychosis risk syndrome, by describing patients' own experiences with symptoms, thoughts and feelings. Methods: A total of 40 interviews were conducted in Taiwan. A Grounded Theory method was selected because of its demonstrated effectiveness in generating theory around dynamic and complex processes on which little is known, all of which is the case with psychosis risk syndrome. Constant comparison analysis, memo writing, member checking, and theoretical sampling were adopted. Results: A core theoretical framework was developed in which the process of the psychosis risk syndrome is described as proceeding from manageable to uncontrollable. Four stages emerged from the analysis: (1) something is wrong, (2) boiling up, (3) breaking point, and (4) losing control. Conclusions: The framework resulting from this Grounded Theory research is innovative in presenting patterns and clinical staging that marks the progression from premorbid stage to full-blown psychosis. In addition to specifying the detailed process through in-depth interviews, this research makes two fundamental contributions by: (1) adding evidence to current science and (2) taking patients' experience into consideration to improve the validity of screening tools and design appropriate intervention programs for people with early warning signs of developing schizophrenia. ? 2017 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.
Subjects
Prodrome; Psychosis risk syndrome; Qualitative study; Schizophrenia
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; disease exacerbation; female; grounded theory; human; male; prodromal symptom; psychological rating scale; psychology; psychometry; psychosis; risk; schizophrenia; schizotypal personality disorder; syndrome; Adult; Disease Progression; Female; Grounded Theory; Humans; Male; Prodromal Symptoms; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychometrics; Psychotic Disorders; Risk; Schizophrenia; Schizotypal Personality Disorder; Syndrome
Type
journal article