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Treatment for the initial acute phase of first-episode psychosis in a real-world setting

ORYGEN Youth Health, Locked Bag 10, Parkville 3052, Australia, e-mail: darryl.wade{at}mh.org.au

Susy Harrigan, Research Fellow

ORYGEN Research Centre, University of Melbourne and Senior Research Officer, School of Population Health, University of Queensland

Meredith G. Harris, Research Fellow

Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne

Jane Edwards, Clinical Director

ORYGEN Youth Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne

Patrick D. McGorry, Director ORYGEN Youth Health, Executive Director, ORYGEN Research Centre and Professor

Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Australia

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

The aim of the study was to examine treatment for the initial acute phase of first-episode psychosis at the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre. Information regarding treatment was collected from file notes for all patients (n=112). For a subsample of patients (n=68), remission of positive psychotic symptoms was assessed using standardised ratings at 3-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Treatment provided was largely in accordance with recommended treatment strategies. The majority (72%) of patients achieved rapid remission of positive symptoms.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Restrictive practices other than inpatient admission, such as in-patient seclusion, police transport or a community treatment order, can be minimised. The use of low-dose antipsychotic medication is an effective treatment strategy for the initial acute phase of first-episode psychosis.