Managing incomplete recovery in first episode psychosis

While the vast majority of young people who develop a first episode of psychosis respond well to initial treatment and have a remission of their symptoms, some young people will continue to experience symptoms and thus show signs of early treatment resistance. Because early treatment response is thought to be one of the strongest predictors of subsequent outcome, preventing enduring symptoms of psychosis and associated impaired social functioning should be the primary aim of treatment for first episode psychosis (FEP).

This clinical practice point is designed to help clinicians understand:

  • Why it is important to address incomplete recovery

  • The principles for effective treatment

  • How to use evidence-based pharmacological and psychological strategies to address incomplete recovery in everyday clinical practice.