Treatment of first episode and prodromal signs

Intervening to shorten the pre-psychotic and pre-treatment phases has been attractive as a possible way to improve long-term outcome. Several types of prodrome to schizophrenia have been identified and there is evidence that treating them prevents transition to psychosis during medium-term follow-up. These experimental treatments include antipsychotics and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). New services to treat psychosis earlier and more effectively have been springing up, though evidence for their relative benefits is not yet unequivocal. They rely on characteristic antipsychotic regimes and psychosocial interventions.