Preventing EPISODE II: relapse prevention in first-episode psychosis.
OBJECTIVE
This paper outlines a rationale for expanding research and clinical innovations focused upon relapse prevention following a first episode of psychosis. Some general principles for further progress are extracted from an overview of the first-episode psychosis (FEP) relapse literature. A cognitive behaviour therapy intervention for relapse prevention for FEP, that has been developed at the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre, is described to illustrate these principles.


CONCLUSIONS
Further progress is needed in refining interventions specific to the prevention of relapse following FEP. Future progress is dependent upon improved understanding of the interaction of biological, interpersonal and psychological processes underpinning relapse.
Gleeson
John
J
Department of Psychology, University of Melbourne, and NorthWestern Mental Health Program, Melbourne, Vic., Australia. jgleeson@unimelb.edu.au
D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D011584:Psychology; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications; D055502:Secondary Prevention