How is first episode psychosis and early intervention understod by Pakistani families?

Section A: Literature Review : How are Mental Health Problems and Mental Health Services Understood in British Asian Communities? The review outlines literature relating to Asian communities in Britain and their beliefs about and experience of mental illness, particularly psychosis. It particularly examines the experience of Asian service users and carers. The review highlights cultural differences in the understanding and treatment of mental illness. It also suggests specific difficulties these communities have in accessing services. Section B: Research Report: How Is First Episode Psychosis And Early Intervention Understood By Pakistani Families? Aims: The report aims firstly to better understand the beliefs held by Pakistani carers towards their family member's psychotic illness. Secondly, it explores Pakistani carers attitudes towards an Early Intervention for Psychosis Service, accessed by their family member. Methods: Eleven participants (Pakistani in origin) whose close family member was accessing the Early Intervention Service are interviewed. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis is used to qualitatively analysis transcripts. Result:: Three superordinate themes are evident: "Story of the Illness" "A Social Illness" and "Treatment and Change". These describe the impact that their family member's illness has on participants' lives, and their complex understandings of causes and treatment. Conclusions: The study r expands our understanding of participants' complex and multi-layered understanding of psychosis, its causes and treatment, as well as their experience of services. Implications and suggestions for further research are discussed. Section C: Critical Appraisal: The critical appraisal is a reflection on the process of doing the research, based on a research diary. It includes a critique of the methodology selected and development of the research from design to write up. Areas of difficulty are highlighted, including recruitment, confidentiality and the use of interpreters. The influence of the researcher on the work is considered.