1. 1 IRIS Initiative to Reduce the Impact of Schizophrenia DON’T DELAY! IT’S TIME TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF PSYCHOSIS IN YOUNG PEOPLE……. NOW!

2. 2 DID YOU KNOW? Early Diagnosis and treatment leads to significantly improved recovery and outcome in psychosis. The first few years of psychosis is a ‘critical period’ socially, psychologically and biologically - the earlier that treatment starts the better the long term outcome.

3. 3 Consider psychosis when a young adult shows persistent changes in functioning, behaviour or personality Physical e.g. sleep disturbance, loss of energy Affect e.g. anxiety, irritability and depression Cognitive difficulties e.g. poor concentration and memory Thought content e.g preoccupation with new ideas Social difficulties and a tendency to become isolated Self harm

4. 4 Why treat first-episode psychosis in a special way? 1. The prospects of recovery in this group are very good - 85% can remit within a few months. Relapse prevention is vital in the early years: each relapse increases the risk of further relapse. Early psychosis is a biologically ‘critical period’: most of the decline in cognition and function occurs in the first five years of psychosis

5. 5 Why treat first-episode psychosis in a special way? 2. ‘critical period’ for suicide risk;10 - 15% of people with psychosis kill themselves within the first 10 years of illness, and two thirds of these within the first 6 years. Adverse outcomes from psychiatric hospitalisation -- 45% of people with first episode psychosis have clear evidence of post traumatic stress related to their illness and treatment

6. 6 Effective responses-1. Improve collaboration between primary, secondary and a variety of community agencies Deliver in a range of low-stigma settings, sensitive to the needs of young people Facilitate medical treatment from GP with support of specialist care

7. 7 Effective responses-2. Low dose neuroleptic drug therapy started within 6 months of onset of psychosis, with early review of treatment resistance Family interventions Support in vocational, educational recreational and social attainments

8. 8 As GPs we need to raise our awareness Stay alert Be suspicious Ask about positive symptoms Be aware of risk factors like family history, self-harm

9. 9 And perhaps most important of all …. Be Optimistic!!! Prompt diagnosis and treatment of first episode and early relapse significantly improves prospects for recovery in psychosis.