[Early recognition and intervention for schizophrenia].

Studies dealing with the prodromal stage of schizophrenia point to the possibility of early detection and early intervention. Major socioeconomic and social consequences are associated with this disorder. The duration of untreated psychosis seems to play an important role in the course of the disease; i.e. a prolonged duration until adequate treatment is obtained correlates to poorer prognosis. Social, cognitive, affective, and structural brain variations appear in the early prodromal stage. Recent early intervention studies show the possibility of reducing transition rates by preventive treatment of patients at a higher risk of psychosis and already manifesting impaired function. In this review, prodromal signs and possibilities for early detection and intervention in schizophrenia are presented.