Early intervention for schizophrenic disorders. Implementing optimal treatment strategies in routine clinical services. OTP Collaborative Group

BACKGROUND: Early detection and intervention in schizophrenic disorders is an important challenge for psychiatry. METHOD: Review of literature on effective biomedical and psychosocial intervention strategies. RESULTS: Comprehensive programmes of drug and psychosocial interventions with adults who show early signs and symptoms of schizophrenic disorders may contribute to a lower incidence and prevalence of major episodes of schizophrenia. These programmes combine early detection of psychotic features by primary care services, with close liaison with mental health professionals. Long-term monitoring of signs of recurrence, with further intervention, appears essential to maintain these benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Field trials demonstrate that effective early treatment strategies can be routinely applied in clinical practice.