The impact of early intervention in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders are serious and potentially fatal illnesses that typically emerge during the sensitive developmental period of adolescence and emerging adulthood. For over 100 years, these disorders have been viewed pessimistically, characterized by high levels of stigma and neglect. However, the last two decades have seen the rise of the early intervention movement that advocates rapid access to care and comprehensive treatment in the initial stages of disorder. The basis of this strategy is that the first few years of illness represent a critical period (Birchwood et al. 1989, 1998), during which treatment will be most effective and may prevent future deterioration and secondary morbidity. This chapter examines the impact of and evidence related to early intervention. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010.