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Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Emerging psychosis in adolescents--a practical guide
1MBBS, FRANZCP, Cert Child Adol Psych, is a consultant psychiatrist, Women's and Children's Hospital, Boylan Inpatient Services, Adelaide, South Australia.
Australian Family Physician
|September 12, 2013
Summary
General practitioners face challenges with emerging psychosis. A "watchful waiting" approach aids diagnosis before treatment, focusing on patient engagement and relapse prevention.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- General Practice
- Mental Health
Background:
- Emerging psychosis presents diagnostic and treatment challenges in primary care.
- Disagreement exists in the literature regarding classification and management protocols for early psychosis.
Observation:
- This paper addresses three key primary care issues: recognizing early psychosis signs and referral pathways.
- It explores complexities of co-occurring substance use in emerging psychosis.
- Management strategies for patients returning to primary care post-acute phase are discussed.
Findings:
- A considered approach is crucial from initial assessment for emerging psychosis.
- The paper advocates for 'watchful waiting' to ensure diagnostic certainty before initiating potentially harmful treatments.
- Balanced management includes patient engagement, medication monitoring, and relapse prevention.
Implications:
- Primary care physicians need clear guidelines for managing emerging psychosis.
- Early intervention and appropriate referral are critical for better patient outcomes.
- Integrating mental health care within primary settings requires careful planning and execution.
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