Rational pharmacotherapy in early psychosis.
BACKGROUND
An increased focus in research specific to first-episode schizophrenia has provided a rapidly growing body of evidence that can be directly translated to clinical practice.


OBJECTIVE
To provide clinical recommendations specific to effective pharmacotherapy of first-episode schizophrenia.


METHODS
Evidence from clinical trials focused on the first-episode population is combined with data from other areas of investigation.


RESULTS
In first-episode psychosis, when to initiate treatment is not always clear, being intimately linked to challenges regarding early detection and diagnosis. There may be differences in antipsychotic dosing, patterns of response and sensitivity to side-effects. Adherence appears to be even more problematic at this stage.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians currently treating early psychosis have considerably more information to guide their decision-making. However, the speed at which the field is growing is a reminder to treat this knowledge as a work in progress.
Remington
Gary
G
Medical Assessment Program for Schizophrenia, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Totonto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada. gary_remington@camh.net
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D017050:Episode of Care; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents