PROFIP: A Portuguese early intervention programme for first-episode psychosis in Lisbon

There is currently no national plan for early intervention in first-episode psychosis in Portugal. Consequently, there is some heterogeneity in the evaluation and treatment of first-episode psychosis across the country. The aim of this article is to provide a complete description of the early intervention programme Programa de Intervenção nas Fases Iniciais da Psicose (PROFIP) in Lisbon, a pioneering team in Portugal for treating first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients. We also describe the baseline socio-demographic and clinical data obtained from new patients over a 1-year period. PROFIP programme accepts all cases of FEP, taking a transdiagnostic approach.

Description of PROFIP programme and baseline socio-demographic and clinical data obtained from new patients over a 1-year period.

The team was constituted to provide early detection, treatment and support to people aged 16 to 35 years with affective and non-affective FEP. Over a 1-year period, 39 patients were included in the PROFIP programme. The majority of patients were young male patients with a diagnosis of non-affective psychosis, and with 56% of patients reporting cannabis use. Patients received pharmacological and psychosocial interventions based on evidence and individual needs.

Our team allowed young people with early psychosis to receive effective care. We do need improvements, namely in referrals and the education of health professionals. More teams in our country should be constituted, allowing larger numbers of patients with early psychosis to be treated by specialized teams.