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A young man with first-episode psychosis: case presentation and discussion
1Centre Universitaire de Santé de l'Estrie, Sherbrooke, Quebec. afallu@commercialvidéotron.ca
Objective:
To review and discuss the issues and challenges involved in the treatment of first-episode psychosis in young patients, including choice of appropriate antipsychotic agents and adjunctive medications, dosing regimens, and biopsychosocial interventions.
Methods:
The case of a young man in his late teens with a history of substance abuse who experienced an acute dystonic reaction to treatment for his psychotic episode is presented and discussed.
Results:
Each contributing author provides an evaluation of the intervention strategies presented in the patient's history and factors that influenced the treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
The successful management of young patients with psychosis must go beyond the control of positive symptoms. A comprehensive psychosocial and psychoeducational approach combined with a well-tolerated treatment regimen can help the patient achieve positive outcomes.