Reimagining psychosis prevention: responding to the accessibility issues of At-Risk Mental State (ARMS) services through a selective public health approach
Centre for Applied Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, UK Institute of Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
At-Risk Mental State (ARMS) services aim to prevent the onset of first-episode psychosis (FEP) in those with specific clinical or genetic risk markers. In England, ARMS services are currently expanding, but the accessibility of this preventative approach remains questionable, especially for a subgroup of FEP patients and those from specific ethnic minority communities. This commentary outlines the key debates about why a complimentary approach to psychosis prevention is necessary, and gives details for an innovative public health strategy, drawing on existing research and health prevention theory.
