AIM: Despite the large scientific debate concerning potential stigmatizing effects of identifying an individual as being in an @entity1032 ( @entity1032 ) for @entity716 , studies investigating this topic from the subjective perspective of @entity1 are rare. This study assesses whether @entity1032 individuals experience stigmatization and to what extent being informed about the @entity1032 is experienced as helpful or harmful. METHODS: Eleven @entity1032 individuals, currently participating in the follow-up assessments of the prospective Basel Fr  herkennung von Psychosen (FePsy; English: Early   Detection of   Psychosis) study, were interviewed in detail using a semistructured qualitative interview developed for this purpose. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. RESULTS: Most individuals experiencing first symptoms reported sensing that there was 'something wrong with them' and felt in need of help. They were relieved that a specific term was assigned to their symptoms. The support received from the early detection centre was generally experienced as helpful. Many @entity1 reported stigmatization and discrimination that appeared to be the result of altered behaviour and social withdrawal due to the prepsychotic symptoms they experienced prior to contact with the early detection clinic. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that early detection services help individuals cope with symptoms and potential stigmatization rather than enhancing or causing the latter. More emphasis should be put on the subjective experiences of those concerned when debating the advantages and disadvantages of early detection with regard to stigma. There was no evidence for increased perceived stigma and discrimination as a result of receiving information about the @entity1032 .

Early detection of XXXX : helpful or stigmatizing experience? A qualitative study.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity1032 :: ('MESH:D008607', 'Disease') :: ['at-risk mental state', 'ARMS'] @entity716 :: ('MESH:D011605', 'Disease') :: ['psychosis']
@entity716 :: (MESH:D011605,Disease) :: ['psychosis']
