[Detection of early warning signs in schizophrenic patients. Possible applications in prevention of recurrence].

In the treatment of schizophrenia, two new strategies have been developed with the aim of adequate relapse prevention accompanied by lowest possible risk of side-effects. One strategy is to have the patient continue to take medication at a highly reduced dosage (10-20% of the standard dose). The other is to gradually stop neuroleptic medication after remission and to reinstitute medication only in the case of prodromal symptoms (termed targeted or intermittent treatment). According to Herz and Melville [13] many schizophrenic patients show signs of relapse well before recurrence of overt psychotic features. Monitoring to detect prodromal symptoms is especially important in targeted treatment because, otherwise, neuroleptic medication often cannot be initiated in time. In the present study of 51 schizophrenic patients we were able to replicate the results of Herz & Melville in the German-speaking countries. Prior to acute exacerbation of psychosis, most patients experience alterations of feelings and behaviour. These alterations may also be recognized by family members. Such early warning signs of relapse mainly consist of non-specific, non-psychotic symptoms: tenseness and nervousness, eating less, trouble concentrating and sleeping, depressive mood and seeing friends less. Furthermore, the regular monitoring and use of early warning signs specific to each patient in the aftercare of schizophrenic patients seems to be practicable, especially in psychoeducative family therapy.