The pace clinic: Development of a clinical service for young people at high risk of psychosis

The Pace Clinic (Personal Assessment And Crisis Evaluation) is a newly established clinic which focuses on adolescents and young adults who are at risk of developing a psychotic disorder in the near future. It aims to assess, manage and prospectively study individuals who may be in the prodromal phase of psychosis. Until now it has not been possible to gain access to large numbers of patients in this pre-psychotic state. This paper describes developments that have allowed this to occur. This Clinic has a potentially important role in research into the aetiology of psychotic disorders, the process of transition from prodromal state to psychosis, and in the development of preventative strategies in psychosis.