MANY TEENS SUFFER FROM UNTREATED PSYCHOSIS

June Kell's tragic death reminds us that even the most hopeful,
positive young person can find herself vulnerable and sleeping
outside. In most situations, this kind of tragedy can be prevented.
Many homeless people end up that way because of untreated psychosis,
a highly treatable and common medical condition.

Untreated, teens and young adults with psychosis often lose their
homes, their ability to take care of themselves, their family
support and their ability to protect themselves from harm.

With early treatment and support, families stay together and young
people become successful adults.

Every parent should know that three in 100 young people will
experience psychosis, usually starting between the ages of 15 and 25.

The illness is caused by an imbalance of brain neurotransmitters.
Early signs may include a significant drop in school or work
performance, social withdrawal or a sudden change in friends,
significant sleep changes, unfounded fears that others are
trying to cause harm, new and bizarre ideas or changed perceptions
such as colors becoming more intense or hearing voices when no one else does.

Later symptoms can include seeing or hearing things that others
don't (hallucinations), bizarre ideas inconsistent with reality
(delusions), and speech or behavior that make no sense to others.

Psychosis is often mistaken for drug use, and people experiencing
psychosis may turn to drugs to deal with symptoms.

Fortunately, in Marion County and four other counties, the EAST
Program (Early Assessment and Support Team) offers help when
psychosis first begins. EAST offers counselors and doctors who are
creative, flexible and persistent. Their goal is to identify
psychosis and to provide information, support and effective
treatment to the person and family before the consequences begin.

When a local 17-year-old was referred to EAST, his parents were
ready to kick him out because he was getting angry and had punched his father.

An athlete with good grades, the boy had stopped seeing friends and
wasn't going to school. His parents thought it was drugs. They
didn't know that he was hearing voices and seeing things that
confused and frightened him, and which he thought were somehow being
caused by others. He was unable to read a complete page because of
symptoms, and couldn't keep up in school.

The EAST counselor knew how to approach the boy and learned about
these unusual experiences. He convinced the teen to see a doctor and
explained what was happening to the family. With the right treatment
and support, the boy completed high school and is working and
taking college classes.

So learn the signs, spread the word and call right away if a young
person you know starts showing possible signs of psychosis. Anyone
who calls EAST can receive problem-solving and information.

EAST provides outreach, support and treatment regardless of ability to pay.

With an educated community and the help available, our teens and
young adults can get the medical care they need and remain full
contributors to society.

Tamara G. Sale of Beaverton is the EAST Program coordinator for the
Mid-Valley Behavioral Care Network.