Psychosocial interventions in early psychosis

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the development of early intervention services for psychosis and the evidence for psychosocial interventions in a first episode of psychosis. Method: A descriptive review Results: Early intervention services (EIS) for psychosis have spread widely around the globe since their early beginnings in Australia, England and North America. The rationale for these services is twofold. First that worse clinical and social functioning outcomes are associated with delays in treatment and insufficient attention to relapse prevention and second that many psychoses occur at a critical period in a young person’s life causing disruptions to education, employment and relationships from which he or she may never recover. Psychosocial interventions, focused on managing distress, developing coping strategies to reduce the risk of relapse and on returning to work and education have at least as important a role in recovery as does medication. Evidence for the effectiveness of family interventions, cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis and supported employment is reviewed. Beyond these interventions, the optimism and enthusiasm of a typical EIS play an essential part in promoting recovery.