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The Help Group"s Portland Identification and Early Referral (PIER) Early Psychosis (EP) program targets adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 25 with the goal of reducing the incidence of psychosis. Our focus is on early detection and intervention to prevent conversion of symptoms into a fully diagnosable psychotic disorder. The first step is to educate and empower families, clinical professionals and other members of our community so they can recognize the high risk signs among young people and make appropriate referrals for support.
Unlike someone who is experiencing a full psychotic episode, clinical high risk individuals are aware that what they are experiencing is not normal and are willing to accept help from people they trust. In some cases, adolescents and young adults may hide or dismiss their symptoms because they are concerned about how others might react. Most of the time, their family members, teachers or other trusted adults may be the first ones to see the changes and are key to helping them get the help they need. It is important for youth and young adults to get help as early as possible during the clinical high risk phase before serious consequences at work, school or home occur or before they start showing signs of more serious psychotic symptoms."
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