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Experiences of international travel in patients with psychotic illness: a case series

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 January 2020

S. Maher ,
Z. Mikic ,
C. McDonald Open the ORCID record for C. McDonald [Opens in a new window] ,
G. T. Flaherty  and
B. Hallahan
S. Maher*
Affiliation:
School of Medicine, Clinical Science Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Hospital Galway, Galway Roscommon Mental Health Services, Galway, Ireland University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
Z. Mikic
Affiliation:
Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
C. McDonald
Affiliation:
School of Medicine, Clinical Science Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Hospital Galway, Galway Roscommon Mental Health Services, Galway, Ireland University Hospital Galway, Galway Roscommon Mental Health Services, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
G. T. Flaherty
Affiliation:
School of Medicine, Clinical Science Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Hospital Galway, Galway Roscommon Mental Health Services, Galway, Ireland School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
B. Hallahan
Affiliation:
School of Medicine, Clinical Science Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Hospital Galway, Galway Roscommon Mental Health Services, Galway, Ireland University Hospital Galway, Galway Roscommon Mental Health Services, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
*
*Address for correspondence: Dr Senan Maher, Clinical Science Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland. (Emails: Senan.Maher@hse.ie; Senan.Maher@gmail.com)
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Abstract

Objectives

To identify factors influencing successful international travel among patients with psychotic illness.

Methods

Eight individuals participated in a semi-structured interview of 15–20-minute duration with a clinician in relation to their recent experience of international travel. Clinical files were reviewed and a case series was compiled.

Results

Four individuals engaged in international travel without any adverse effects. Four other individuals experienced significant psychotic and/or affective symptoms while travelling. Treatment non-adherence, a lack of awareness of how to obtain support and limited or no pre-travel planning were noted in these individuals.

Conclusions

Pre-travel counselling, treatment adherence, provision of information packages relating to their mental illness and having contact details of their treating mental health team increase the likelihood of successful international travel in patients with psychotic illness. Travelling with a companion may reduce fear of relapse.

Keywords

Psychosisschizophreniatraveltreatmentadherence
Type
Original Research
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 40 , Issue 2 , June 2023 , pp. 127 - 133
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland

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