Clinical High Risk (CHR) for Psychosis
Clinical High Risk (CHR) or "prodromal period" refers to the period of subclinical signs and symptoms that precede the onset of acute psychosis, typically in transition-aged youth and young adults, characterized by disturbances in perception, experiences, and behavior.
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders are preceded by phenotypic alterations in these domains, making targeted intervention of the prodromal period a viable method of treatment.
Recognizing and understanding the prodromal period is essential for early detection, prediction, prevention, and treatment of various negative outcomes. It provides a valuable window of opportunity to intervene and potentially alter the progression of psychosis, leading to improved patient quality of life and care.
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders are preceded by phenotypic alterations in these domains, making targeted intervention of the prodromal period a viable method of treatment.
Recognizing and understanding the prodromal period is essential for early detection, prediction, prevention, and treatment of various negative outcomes. It provides a valuable window of opportunity to intervene and potentially alter the progression of psychosis, leading to improved patient quality of life and care.
What are some of the signs and symptoms of the prodrome?
Changes in behavior, perception, and social involvement could be signs of CHR.
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It is important to note that CHR status does not guarantee an individual will go on to develop psychosis or schizophrenia. Being CHR means an individual is showing warning signs of more severe mental illness, and more investigation and/or intervention is warranted. This does not mean a CHR individual has a psychotic diagnosis or that they will go on the develop one. In fact, studies show that intervention in the prodromal period demonstrate that there is more of a chance that the individual does not develop psychosis.
First Episode Psychosis (FEP)
First-episode psychosis (FEP) refers to the first occurrence where an individual experiences symptoms of acute psychosis for the first time. Common symptoms of FEP may include some or many of the following:
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FEP often occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood and can be associated with various mental health conditions such as schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, bipolar disorders, or MDD with psychotic features. Early identification and intervention are critical for effective management and improving long-term outcomes for individuals experiencing FEP.