Early intervention in psychotic relapse

In spite of advances in neuroleptic treatment, relapse of positive symptoms continues to punctuate the course of schizophrenia. In this Paper the conc eptual and empirical basis for early intervention in the Process of psychot ic relapse as a Preventative manoeuvre is evaluated. The predictive efficac y of early, 'prodromal' signs, their nature, and the utility of early detec tion and intervention strategies are reviewed. There is strong evidence tha t relapse is preceded by early signs, but the classical (medical) concept o f prodrome is inadequate to explain the findings. The early detection and t reatment of early signs appears to confer Protection from relapse, but the active ingredients of the pharmacological and psychological based treatment studies are as yet unclear and suggest important avenues for future resear ch, (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd.