LHSC’s FEMAP program helping young adults

The London Health Sciences Center Research Institute (LHSCRI) has published the results of its research into mood and anxiety disorders in young adults.

The study included 449 patients from the multi-year First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program (FEMAP) run at the London Health Sciences Center (LHSC). The program has been providing mental health interventions to people aged 16-25 for over 15 years.

The study followed patients for one to two years after starting treatment and, according to officials, “demonstrated that FEMAP patients’ functioning improved, symptom severity decreased, quality of life improved, and they were satisfied with their care.”

Sidney Robertson was a FEMAP patient almost 10 years ago. Its results were included in the research data.

“I struggled with depression and anxiety, but I had no tools or resources to really deal with these feelings, and substance abuse paralyzed my pain. I was quickly becoming a version of myself that I didn’t recognize,” she said. “Through FEMAP, I was able to let go of these feelings and gain tools and resources in the community that helped me feel like myself again and get back on track.”

“The idea is to adapt treatment to the patient’s needs. Physicians must have the experience and adaptability to know when a treatment tool is working, when it’s not working, and when to switch gears,” explained Dr. Elizabeth Osuch, scientist at LHSCRI and medical director at FEMAP.

“Looking to the future, Dr. Osuch hopes that her research will inspire others to better understand the model and replicate it in other settings so that young people with common mental health issues can better get the help they need,” the LHSC said in a statement .