Social currents, inner tides
Social currents, inner tides
This thesis of Matej Djordjevic looks at psychological and social risk factors in people who recently experienced a first episode of psychosis (FEP). We used clinical information, large international databases, and data from digital/electronic diaries that study participants filled in several times a day.
An important finding is that difficulties with social contact, work, or hobbies ("social functioning") are related not only to symptoms such as loss of motivation, but also to symptoms such as hearing voices or emotional distress. We also found that symptoms can influence how daily activities are experienced, regardless of whether someone manages to engage in them. A further study shows that the type of antipsychotic medication people are using and its dosage can negatively influence the experience of positive emotions shortly after FEP. This calls for greater attention to the psychological side effects of these medications.
We also conducted research outside of the Netherlands: a study in Iran among people with first episode psychosis looked at self-stigma, social support, and religiosity. The findings suggest that such social factors play a varying role depending on the local context. This is also evident from our worldwide study of nearly 4,000 people from nine countries, in which lower socioeconomic status (SES) was associated with a higher risk of psychosis overall, although the relevance of specific SES characteristics differed between countries.
In summary, this thesis highlights the essential role of psychosocial factors in the early stages of psychotic disorders, illustrating why it is important that healthcare providers and researchers always take the personal and social context into account.