The First Psychotic Episode Navigating Early-Stage Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses
Psychosis is a clinical syndrome which may signal the onset of a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, and impact a young person over their lifetime. Early recognition, compassionate engagement and timely referral are critical in shaping long-term outcomes and supporting recovery. Engagement of the young person presenting with psychosis may be difficult; however, a therapeutic alliance focusing on collaborative care can yield many long-term benefits. Early and consistent treatment with antipsychotic medication remains the cornerstone of recovery in psychotic disorders. The Mental Health Care Act may need to be applied in enforcing treatment if there are acute concerns for safety and a likelihood or actuality of disengagement from treatment. The patient’s regular GP can play a vital role in monitoring adverse effects, especially in the setting of cardiometabolic risk. Despite the stigma associated with schizophrenia, functional recovery is possible.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5, 2025
