Young people who experience a first episode of psychosis often receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Historically there has been the view that schizophrenia is a progressive, deteriorating condition and many clinicians were taught that point of view in their training. When the field of Early Psychosis began to develop in the 1990s, a major theme [...]
December 4, 2012
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Cannabis and Psychosis Project
The Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program has provided leadership in developing an exciting new project with the Schizophrenia Society of Canada. The project involves young people who have experienced psychosis in a process of developing information about cannabis and psychosis that will be interesting and relevant to their peers. The Mental Health Commission of Canada has recently [...]
August 21, 2012
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New Family Education program brochure available
Programs that support families have always been high on the priority list for the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program (NSEPP). Education for families about psychosis and recovery, as well as how to manage the stress of having a family member with psychosis, has been offered in a variety of formats for many years. A new [...]
May 18, 2012
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Cognitive Therapy for youth at increased risk of psychosis
A long awaited study of the use of cognitive therapy with young people who appear to be at increased risk of developing a psychotic disorder has now been published (BMJ April 2012). Dr. Anthony Morrison and an impressive team of colleagues, including Dr. Max Birchwood, recruited nearly 300 youth who met the currently established criteria [...]
March 3, 2012
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Five Years of Early Intervention in Psychiatry
The professional journal Early Intervention in Psychiatry recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. In an editorial in the February 2012 issue of the journal, editor-in-chief Dr. Patrick McGorry gives his views on the progress, and lack of progress in bringing early intervention into the mainstream of psychiatry. On the progress side McGorry points to national initiative [...]
November 23, 2011
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New NSEPP brochure provides indepth information for families
The Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program (NSEPP) has created a new and innovative brochure for families. Based on requests and questions from family members, the brochure contains concise and comprehensive descriptions of the services offered and the roles of the members of the NSEPP team. The brochure will help empower family members to work closely with [...]
November 16, 2011
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In defense of a DSM-5 diagnosis of ‘at risk for psychosis’
Drs. McGlashan and Wood, from Yale University, have recently written a concise summary of the issues involved in the early detaction of psychosis, both in the cases of psychosis that have already fully developed and in the cases where the person has some psychotic experiences and seems to ‘at risk’ of developing a fully psychosis. [...]
September 27, 2011
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Proposed diagnosis of ‘high risk for psychosis’: the plot (and the evidence) thickens
Recent articles in the American Journal of Psychiatry raise further doubts as to whether the DSM-V, due out in 2013, should contain a diagnostic category of ‘Psychosis Risk” or “at high risk for psychosis’. Addington et al, following 100 people who would receive such a diagnosis found that, without any specific treatment, the vast majority [...]
July 19, 2011
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Australia invests in Early Psychosis services
The Australian government has announced a significant financial investment for improving mental health service, including early detection and intervention services for psychosis and related disorders. Given the overall restraints on government budgets around the world, this bold move demonstrates the importance of advocacy and continued scientific evidence supporting the benefits of early psychosis services. Read [...]
July 19, 2011
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Psychosis sucks: a strange name, a great website
Psychosis Sucks is perhaps the best website on Early Psychosis. Developed by the Fraser Health Authority in British Columbia. As the name implies, the site is intended for young people with psychosis, as well as their families and friends. Psychosis Sucks is loaded with up to date information about psychosis, treatment and recovery. Psychosis Sucks; [...]
- Schizophrenia is not a progressive brain disease
- Cannabis and Psychosis Project
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New Family Education program brochure available
- Cognitive Therapy for youth at increased risk of psychosis
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Early intervention in psychosis is cost effective
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Early Intervention Approaches to Mental Health Services can Save the UK up to £50 Million Per Year
- Do first episode patients who are doing well after one year of treatment need to stay on medication?
- Patients taking long-acting antipsychotics are less likely to be re-hospitalized.
December 4, 2012
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