Early intervention for schizophrenic disorders. Implementing optimal treatment strategies in routine clinical services. OTP Collaborative Group.
BACKGROUND
Early detection and intervention in schizophrenic disorders is an important challenge for psychiatry.


METHODS
Review of literature on effective biomedical and psychosocial intervention strategies.


RESULTS
Comprehensive programmes of drug and psychosocial interventions with adults who show early signs and symptoms of schizophrenic disorders may contribute to a lower incidence and prevalence of major episodes of schizophrenia. These programmes combine early detection of psychotic features by primary care services, with close liaison with mental health professionals. Long-term monitoring of signs of recurrence, with further intervention, appears essential to maintain these benefits.


CONCLUSIONS
Field trials demonstrate that effective early treatment strategies can be routinely applied in clinical practice.
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Science, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
I R
IR
Falloon
J H
JH
Coverdale
T M
TM
Laidlaw
S
S
Merry
R R
RR
Kydd
P
P
Morosini
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents