What are the treatments for Early Psychosis?
There are two main treatment methods for early psychosis: pharmacological and psychosocial.
Pharmacological
Medicine plays a more fundamental role in the treatment of early psychosis and the prevention of its recurrence in the initial stage than other treatment methods. It can effectively reduce the psychotic symptoms, as well as the anxiety and depressive symptoms associated with them. People, who seek treatment at an earlier stage, will require relatively smaller medication dosages, leading to better recovery.
Psychosocial
Patients need to be able to count on others to give them support and share their worries during the initial stage of early psychosis. They also need to talk to people who will help them to solve their problems. That is why psychosocial intervention is so important in early psychosis treatment. Different forms of supportive counseling and psychological interventions are tailored to meet the individual needs of patients at a particular stage of their conditions. Both individual and group psychotherapy can be used. The underlying concepts of the therapy can be integrated into the daily lives of patients in order to assist their recovery. For instance, patients are encouraged to return to their studies or work, where they can interact with more people and remain in touch with reality. Such services can be provided by multidisciplinary team including the psychiatrists, intervention officers, psychologists, occupational therapists, medical social workers as well as social workers and health care workers from various community Non-government Organization Services.
Support and encouragement from family and friends are most important for recovery from their first episode psychosis. Most patients at the stage of early psychosis are treated as outpatients and do not need to be hospitalised. Receiving treatment in the community enables them to enjoy the support and encouragement of their family members and friends, and this helps their recovery. At the same time, they can learn more about their conditions and receive regular assessments in outpatient clinics. However, some patients with early psychosis do need to be hospitalised for detailed assessment and intensive intervention. The hospital setting also provides them with a more comfortable and relaxed environment in which they can experience a stronger sense of security and stability.