Intervention in at-risk states for developing psychosis

Abstract

Indicated prevention is currently one of the most promising approaches to fight the individual and societal burden associated with psychosis and particularly schizophrenia. The number of studies is still limited, yet encouraging results have been reported from pharmacological and psychotherapeutic trials. Furthermore, it has become clear that persons characterized by the at-risk criteria are already ill and do not only need preventive intervention but also treatment. As is indicated by a recent study successfully using omega-3 fatty acids for both purposes, it may be promising to develop and investigate interventions especially for the at-risk state, independent of their effectiveness in manifest disease states. An overview on the current findings and ongoing research in this area is provided.