$28m boost for psychosis
Townsville resources to be expanded for sufferers
North Queenslanders suffering psychosis will be able to get help earlier with a $28m boost to vital services across the state.
The state government has announced Townsville will be able to expand its current resources to help people experiencing early or first episode psychosis, in which people begin to lose contact with reality and may experience hallucinations and delusions.
The funding will be rolled out as part of the Queensland government’s five-year initiative, Better Care Together: A plan for Queensland’s state funded mental health, alcohol and other drug service to 2027.
Child and adolescent psychiatrist Professor James Scott said that psychosis could be a devastating illness that often showed itself in young people.
“The treatment received early in the illness makes a huge difference to their longterm outcomes,” he said.
“We know that high-quality early psychosis care increases the likelihood of recovery from illness, allowing people to return to study or work, and enjoy excellent social functioning. In contrast, we know the prognosis for psychosis is much worse when young people can’t access early intervention.”
Professor Scott said the development of these services would improve the access young people had to the care they needed.
“Day-to-day care provided by these services includes specialist prescribing of medication, resulting in fewer side effects, increased adherence to medication, and better overall response to treatment.
“The psychological care and family support are equally important to medical care. This involves specialised therapy to help people and their families to manage distressing symptoms like hallucinations and paranoia. With proper support, these symptoms become more manageable and less disabling.”
Health Minister Shannon
Fentiman said that the funding was timely in investing in young Queenslanders’ mental health.
“This funding will establish new early psychosis services and enhance existing ones, ensuring timely care for young people aged 12-25,” she said.
“We know that early intervention for psychosis is a game-changer.
“We’re not just improving existing services, we’re expanding them statewide so that young people can access specialist care, no matter where they live.”