Early intervention services aim to provide coordinated care soon after psychosis emerges. Teams may combine psychiatric treatment, psychological therapy, family support and assistance with education or employment. The approach recognises that a first episode can…Continue Reading
Initial recovery after psychosis can include reduced fear, improved sleep, clearer thinking and greater ability to manage ordinary tasks. Changes may be uneven. A person may feel calmer before a delusional belief changes, or symptoms…Continue Reading
A first psychotic episode may become apparent through voices, unusual beliefs, disorganised speech or behaviour that others find difficult to understand. The person may also be frightened, sleep-deprived or unsure why familiar surroundings feel different.…Continue Reading
The causes of a first psychotic presentation include psychiatric, substance-related and medical conditions. Schizophrenia is one possibility, but mania, severe depression and schizoaffective disorder may also involve psychosis. Intoxication, withdrawal and some prescribed medicines can…Continue Reading
Assessment after a first psychotic episode explores symptoms, onset, functioning and possible causes. It includes a mental state examination, physical health review and discussion of substances and medicines. The person’s description is central, while previous…Continue Reading