Emerging psychosis in young people - Part 3 - key issues for prolonged recovery.

BACKGROUND

After 18 months of specialist care only about half of all first episode psychosis patients achieve functional recovery, and about 10-20% patients will not respond to initial treatment and have persistent psychotic symptoms. These patients need special attention in order to minimise the burden of disease and prolonged disability.

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the management of young first episode psychosis patients with incomplete recovery, and focuses on the general practitioner's role, how to deal with treatment resistance, vocational rehabilitation, and other aspects of patient care.

DISCUSSION

Once the acute episode has been treated, it is important to avoid complacency and address other aspects contributing to a patient's wellbeing including social welfare, physical health and vocational rehabilitation. The prevention of relapse and the psychosocial development of the individual are key in fostering and promoting a healthy lifestyle, leading to improved quality of life. Treatment refractory patients need specialist care.