title: Phase-specific psychosocial interventions for first-episode schizophrenia.
abstract: Phase-specific psychosocial interventions for first-episode schizophrenia are outlined and described using examples from clinical practice with 68 patients. These interventions are based on the unique aspects of the first episode and patients' clinical states. Although schizophrenia may run an uneven and often unpredictable course, most patients experience three distinct phases: (1) the acute phase, (2) the healing phase, and (3) the maintenance phase. The timeliness of phase-specific interventions is crucial in helping both patients and families understand the illness, evaluate options, accept treatment, and adjust to changes in functioning and expectations.
authors.affiliation: Hillside Hospital of the North Shore, Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, New York, USA.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Mason
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*; D012563:Schizophrenia, Paranoid / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012960:Socioenvironmental Therapy / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents