Open dialogue in psychosis I: An introduction and case illustration

As a social construct, our approach to work with severely disturbed psychia tric patients in crisis, termed Open Dialogue (OD), begins treatment within 24 hours of referral and includes the family and social network of the pat ient in discussions of all issues throughout treatment. Treatment is adapte d to the specific and varying needs of patients and takes place at home, if possible. Psychological continuity and trust are emphasized by constructin g integrated teams that include both inpatient and outpatient staff who foc us on generating dialogue with the family and patients instead rapid remova l of psychotic symptoms. The main principles are described, and a case is a nalyzed to illustrate these.