BACKGROUND: We consider the evidence for the proposition that the early phase of psychosis (including the period of untreated psychosis) is a critical period in which (a) long-term outcome is predictable, and (b) biological, psychological and psychosocial influences are developing and show maximum plasticity. METHOD: First-episode prospective studies, predictors of outcome and the genesis of patients' key appraisals of their psychosis are reviewed. RESULTS: The data support the notion of the 'plateau effect', first coined by Tom McGlashan, which suggested that where deterioration occurs, it does so aggressively in the first 2-3 years; and that critical psychosocial influences, including family and psychological reactions to psychosis and psychiatric services, develop during this period. CONCLUSIONS: The early phase of psychosis presents important opportunities for secondary prevention. We outline a prototype of intervention appropriate to the critical period. The data challenge the widely held assumption that first-episode psychosis is a benign illness posing little risk.
BACKGROUND: We consider the evidence for the proposition that the early phase of psychosis (including the period of untreated psychosis) is a critical period in which (a) long-term outcome is predictable, and (b) biological, psychological and psychosocial influences are developing and show maximum plasticity. METHOD: First-episode prospective studies, predictors of outcome and the genesis of patients' key appraisals of their psychosis are reviewed. RESULTS: The data support the notion of the 'plateau effect', first coined by Tom McGlashan, which suggested that where deterioration occurs, it does so aggressively in the first 2-3 years; and that critical psychosocial influences, including family and psychological reactions to psychosis and psychiatric services, develop during this period. CONCLUSIONS: The early phase of psychosis presents important opportunities for secondary prevention. We outline a prototype of intervention appropriate to the critical period. The data challenge the widely held assumption that first-episode psychosis is a benign illness posing little risk.
Authors: Helen Lester; Nagina Khan; Peter Jones; Max Marshall; David Fowler; Tim Amos; Max Birchwood Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2012-03 Impact factor: 5.386
Authors: Andor E Simon; Sabrina Jegerlehner; Thomas Müller; Katja Cattapan-Ludewig; Peter Frey; Marcus Grossenbacher; Erich Seifritz; Daniel Umbricht Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2010-09 Impact factor: 5.386
Authors: Tom K J Craig; Philippa Garety; Paddy Power; Nikola Rahaman; Susannah Colbert; Miriam Fornells-Ambrojo; Graham Dunn Journal: BMJ Date: 2004-10-14