title: Early intervention for psychotic disorders: Real-life implementation in Hong Kong.
abstract: Hong Kong is among the first few cities in Asia to have implemented early intervention for psychosis in 2001. Substantial changes in psychosis service have since taken place. We reviewed available outcome data in Hong Kong, with reference to the philosophy of early intervention in psychosis, discussing experience and lessons learned from the implementation process, and future opportunities and challenges. Data accumulated in the past decade provided evidence for the benefits and significance of early intervention programmes: patients under the care of early intervention service showed improved functioning, milder symptoms, and fewer hospitalizations and suicides. Early intervention is more cost-effective compared with standard care. Stigma and misconception remains an issue, and public awareness campaigns are underway. In recent years, a critical mass is being formed, and Hong Kong has witnessed the unfolding of public service extension, new projects and organizations, and increasing interest from the community. Several major platforms are in place for coherent efforts, including the public Early Assessment Service for Young people with psychosis (EASY) programme, the Psychosis Studies and Intervention (PSI) research unit, the independent Hong Kong Early Psychosis Intervention Society (EPISO), the Jockey Club Early Psychosis (JCEP) project, and the postgraduate Psychological Medicine (Psychosis Studies) programme. The first decade of early intervention work has been promising; consolidation and further development is needed on many fronts of research, service and education.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Hong Kong Early Psychosis Intervention Society, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Gloria H Y
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Hong Kong Early Psychosis Intervention Society, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Christy L M
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Hui
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Hong Kong Early Psychosis Intervention Society, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Jennifer Y M
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Hong Kong Early Psychosis Intervention Society, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Wing-Chung
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Hong Kong Early Psychosis Intervention Society, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Sherry K W
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Hong Kong Early Psychosis Intervention Society, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Jia-Qi
authors.initials: JQ
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Jessie J X
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Dik-Chee
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Tam
authors.affiliation: Hong Kong Early Psychosis Intervention Society, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Joy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kok
authors.affiliation: Hong Kong Early Psychosis Intervention Society, Hong Kong; Department of Psychiatry, Tai Po Hospital, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Dicky
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.affiliation: Hong Kong Early Psychosis Intervention Society, Hong Kong; Department of Psychiatry, Kwai Chung Hospital, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Hung
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Hong Kong Early Psychosis Intervention Society, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Eric Y H
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D061345:Early Medical Intervention / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006266:Health Education; D006723:Hong Kong; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D057545:Social Stigma