2.1 Study Design
This study was designed as a retrospective chart review of a complete
six-year cohort of FEP patients referred to an urban catchment area
(adult population 150,000 approximately) within an early intervention
psychosis service, DETECT. This a partial replication of Conus et al.’s
(2010) retrospective analysis of trauma-exposure in an FEP cohort
attending EPPIC services in Melbourne, Australia. In the current study,
every adult in contact with secondary mental health services within the
geographically defined catchment area with a possible FEP is referred
for assessment, diagnosis, and adjunctive interventions by the DETECT
service. The thorough intake assessment includes an extensive history
taking, SCID Interview, detailed symptom measures, and collateral
interview.