Treating Schizophrenia in the Prodromal Phase

Early intervention in psychotic disorders, particularly schizophrenia, has been increasingly recognized as important by clinicians and policymakers alike. The benefits to patients and their carers include timely treatment, minimization of secondary morbidity and prevention of relapse. It seems likely that the course of illness can be positively influenced and that interventions may be much more cost-effective if provided consistently during the early years after onset. How early is early? Until recently, early intervention endeavours have focused on the first psychotic episode and the 'critical' period following this. However, a growing and tantalizing area of interest is in the pre-psychotic or prodromal phase, during which a great deal of the subsequent disability is established and entrenched. The possibility of detecting emerging psychosis and treating this phase before full-blown psychosis develops is an exciting one. This excitement must be tempered with caution however, and clinicians must proceed in a rational and evidence based manner to avoid unnecessary labelling and treatment of people who ultimately turn out not to develop psychotic disorders. This book will present progress to date in the field of pre-psychotic intervention and research. Opportunities and pitfalls are discussed in order to assist psychiatrists and other mental health clinicians who may be planning similar services.Yung, Alison is the author of 'Treating Schizophrenia in the Prodromal Phase', published 2004 under ISBN 9781841843278 and ISBN 184184327X.