First-episode psychosis: a literature review

Abstract

This paper reports on a literature review of the impacts of first-episode psychosis on both the patient and their family and carers. The discussion focuses on the effects on the patient experiencing psychotic symptoms for the first time, including disruption to their environment, social connectedness, and future plans. Patients experiencing these symptoms can experience fear, distress, and isolation. Many of these patients are also at greater risk to themselves and others. The family and carers witnessing this psychosis may experience fear, guilt, and often carry the emotional and physical burden of care. Early intervention and treatment are crucial to potentially achieving better clinical outcomes, and to alleviating the psychological impact on patients and their families. The nurse's role in the treatment of the patient experiencing first-episode psychosis is to facilitate early intervention through recognition of symptoms and ongoing assessment, work to reduce a patient's risks, manage treatments, and work with the patient to reduce the risk of relapse.