Is earlier better? At the beginning of schizophrenia: timing and opportunities for early intervention.
The fundamental tenet is treating psychotic patients as quickly and as effectively as possible. Few would oppose this idea. Increasing community awareness of the services, enhancing accessibility, optimizing the treatment approaches, improving compliance, and addressing substance misuse should hopefully translate into improved outcomes for the patients and their families and are extremely encouraging and welcome developments. However, the field urgently needs properly designed randomized controlled trials to definitively determine their efficacy. If they are shown to be efficacious the emphasis should then shift to randomized controlled trials of prodromal intervention. If prodromal intervention is proven to be successful then earlier might indeed be better and primary prevention within reach.
Clarke
Mary
M
St. John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, County Dublin, Ireland. Mary.Clarke@SJOG.ie
O'Callaghan
Eadbhard
E
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D006801:Humans; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents