First Episode Psychosis Program (FEPP)
FEPP is part of the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal psychiatry department. It is an early intervention service and offers assessment and treatment through:
- Early detection
- Intensive Follow-up in the community
- Multidisciplinary team of social workers, occupational therapists, psycho-educators and nurses
- Judicious use of antipsychotic medications
- Family education and support
- Psychosocial supports
- Cultural interventions
- Case manager approach
- Groups of psycho-education
Psychiatrists:
Dr. G. Eric Jarvis
Dr. Christian Desmarais
Location:
Institute of Community and Family Psychiatry (ICFP)
4333 Côte St-Catherine Road
Montreal (Quebec) H3T 1E4
Sector:
The FEPP team follows clients living in the following postal codes:
H4L H4M H4N H4A H4R H4W H4B H4S H4X H4J H4T H4Y H4K H4V H2V H3P H3R H3S H3T H3V H3M H3X H3Z
To learn more or to send a reference, contact us:
Phone: 514-340-8222 Local 21219
Fax: 514-340-7507
This team treats patients aged 16-30 years who are experiencing their first psychotic episode. To benefit from this program, young people must never have been treated for psychosis or treated for one or more periods totaling no more than 12 months.
The onset of Early Psychosis or First Episode Psychosis can be either gradual or sudden. The early stages of psychosis may involve puzzling changes in thoughts, perceptions, and behaviours that may not initially be recognized by family members as psychotic symptoms; these symptoms may be misinterpreted as typical teen or young adult behaviours.
With treatment, people with psychosis usually recover. However, psychosis may return even after symptoms have been stabilized; this is known as relapse. With treatment, up to 80% of people recover within 2 years. Recovery means that symptoms have been significantly reduced and function in terms of school, work and social activities has improved.
FEPP places a priority on working with family members of those who develop psychotic symptoms. Families are important allies and are crucial participants in the treatment plan.
FEPP is a link in the McGill First Episode Psychosis Network and is collaborating on several research initiatives.
FEPP has special expertise in the cultural manifestations of psychosis and in how cultural and social factors influence the diagnosis and treatment of psychotic disorders.