| Popis: |
Today's outlook for a young person experiencing the onset of a psychotic illness can - and should - be very different from that of just three decades ago. Over this time, basic research into the epidemiology and neurobiology of the psychotic illnesses has allowed the development of improved medical treatments, while innovative clinical research has led to the development of better services that are specifically designed around the unique needs of this particularly vulnerable group. This has led to a shift in focus from the historical, and largely palliative, approach to the care of those living with psychosis, to an emphasis on early intervention with evidence-based care that is appropriate to the stage of illness, and delivered within an optimistic, recovery-oriented framework. Here, we outline current thinking on early intervention and the service reforms that have led to these advances in the management of the psychotic illnesses, which the available evidence indicates offer the best chance for these young people to achieve a full functional recovery and live meaningful, connected, and satisfying lives. |
