First-episode schizophrenia. Early intervention and medication discontinuation in the context of course and treatment.

BACKGROUND

The concept that early intervention with antipsychotic medications improves the long-term course of schizophrenia is discussed.

METHOD

This report reviews the literature concerning early intervention with antipsychotic medications for people with first episodes, and how it affects long-term morbidity. It also studies the effects of discontinuing antipsychotic medications on relapse for people with first episodes.

RESULTS

Early intervention with antipsychotic medications appears to decrease the long-term morbidity of schizophrenia.

CONCLUSIONS

Early intervention with antipsychotic medications should be encouraged for people experiencing their first episode of schizophrenia. This report proposes that studying the various phases of subject response to treatment can be helpful in elucidating when antipsychotic medications should be tapered or withdrawn.