Early intervention services in psychosis: from evidence to wide implementation

Abstract

AIM: Early intervention (EI) in psychosis is a comprehensive and evidence-based approach aimed at detection and treatment of psychotic symptoms in their early stages. This paper presents core features and noteworthy aspects of the evidence basis and limitations of EI, the importance of programme fidelity, challenges for its widespread dissemination and economic perspectives related to it. METHODS: This paper is a narrative review about the evidence supporting EI and the challenges to its widespread dissemination. RESULTS: In spite of evidence of a wide range of benefits, widespread dissemination has been slow, and even currently implemented programmes might be threatened. This reflects in pa..