The Barking & Dagenham early intervention in psychosis (EIP) service offers intensive and assertive support for people aged 14 to 65 who may be experiencing their first episode of psychosis.

We support clients with promoting recovery and maintaining wellness, and helping them return to normal activities in their community life. We work with those presenting with First Episode psychosis, and their families, to reduce the duration of untreated psychosis. Symptoms may include hallucinations, odd beliefs and ideas of reference, problems with thinking, paranoia as well as disturbances in sleep, appetite, mood and a decline in function.

We are a multidisciplinary team that offers a range of psychosocial interventions as well as vocational and medical support including:

• relapse prevention medication management psychology interventions
• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• family work as well as informal counselling
• education about psychoses and general health
• support accessing or returning to education, employment, social activities
• support accessing benefits and housing
• support for family and carers

EIP is based on research that suggests that intervening early and limiting the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) can reduce the degree of harm to a person’s mental health.