Prepsychotic phase of schizophrenia and related disorders: Recent progress and future opportunities

Abstract

Background: Clinical and research focus has recently shifted from established psychotic disorders to first-episode psychosis and the prepsychotic phase of illness. Aims: To describe the principles, progress and dilemmas associated with the prospective detection, engagement and treatment of young people at risk of developing a psychotic disorder. Method: Strategies to identify young people at heightened risk of a psychotic disorder are described. Preventive interventions and results of their evaluation are provided. Results: Well-validated criteria for identifying young people at heightened risk of psychosis have been developed, evidence of the efficacy of various psychological and pharmacolo..