Dr. Patrick McGorry, the international researcher whose work helped form the basis for the EAST program, returned to Oregon the week of April 7. Dr. McGorry wears many hats: Professor of Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne in Australia, Executive Director of ORYGEN Research Centre (formerly the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Center), Director of Clinical Services ORYGEN Youth Health, and editor of Early Intervention in Psychiatry. Dr. McGorry is author of more than 300 books and articles, and former President and current board member of the International Early Psychosis Association.
Dr. McGorry was here for a two-day training sponsored by Portland State University as part of their continuing education series in evidence-based practices. While in town, Dr. McGorry visited with legislators, including the House Human Services Committee, met with leadership from the Department of Human Services Office of Addictions and Mental Health, and spent an afternoon with clinicians from the Early Assessment and Support Alliance teams. As part of the visit, Dr. McGorry also met with a reporter from the Salem Statesman Journal, resulting in a very nice article.
The visit by Dr. McGorry was particularly significant because it marks a new phase in the evolution of Oregon’s collaboration with the Australian program. The last time Dr. McGorry came to Oregon was in 2001 when the program had just started. Since that time EAST has evolved significantly and the model is now available to 60% of Oregonians.
- Dr. McGorry emphasized several key points during his time in Oregon:
- Oregon’s dissemination effort puts it in a unique position; the emphasis on changing culture and systems change is key.
- Economic data is compelling about the effectiveness of early intervention: Dr. McGorry shared data showing that the annual cost over a five-to-seven year period is about a third for those who receive early intervention versus “treatment as usual”.
- It is important to frame early psychosis intervention within a broader adolescent health framework. Adolescence and young adulthood is the time period when almost all major mental illness develops; these are the most important health issues for young people this age. Yet, resources tend to be focused on younger and older individuals and tend to overlook this critical period of onset.
We look forward to many future exchanges (staff, research, knowledge, etc.) with our Australian friends!
