Psychological treatment in pre- and early psychosis

J Am Acad Psychoanal Dyn Psychiatry. 2003 Spring;31(1):229-45. doi: 10.1521/jaap.31.1.229.21933.

Abstract

This article aims to overview a broad range of psychosocial treatments for first-episode psychosis, and for the prodromal phase (or so-called at-risk mental state)--the period preceding the first acute episode (Yung and McGorry, 1996). Firstly, an introduction to the empirically based rationale for early intervention in first-episode psychosis is provided. This is followed by a selective review of individual psychotherapies for early psychosis, which then proceeds to a discussion of family-based interventions for first-episode families and the role of group programs. Next, the role of psychological interventions within the newly emerging indicated preventive approach (Mrazek and Haggerty, 1994) for at-risk mental state is examined before some illustrative case material is presented. It is concluded that integrated psychosocial interventions for first-episode psychosis and for prodrome are newly emerging, innovative fields that offer some preventive opportunities. These opportunities, combined with some initial outcome data, warrant continuing research and clinical innovation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods
  • Family Therapy
  • Humans
  • Psychoanalysis / methods
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Psychotherapy, Group
  • Psychotic Disorders / therapy*
  • Schizophrenia / therapy*