The First Episode of Psychosis

A practical and comprehensive resource for loved ones and young adults experiencing an episode of psychosis for the first time.

Psychosis often first occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood - an exciting but often tumultuous time of role transitions and challenging new opportunities such as college and employment. An episode of psychosis can be frightening for those undergoing it, and for their loved ones, and
navigating through evaluation, treatment, and recovery can be a stressful and isolating experience.

The fully updated and revised edition of The First Episode of Psychosis is aimed at young people and their families experiencing the frightening and confusing initial episode of psychosis. The book covers a range of topics essential for those faced with the challenges posed by psychosis, including
early warning signs, symptoms, types of disorders such as schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder, evaluation, treatment, and healthy lifestyle choices. This new edition offers expanded coverage of specialized early intervention services, going back to school and work, and the latest
psychosocial treatments and medicines. Worksheets help readers to track and better understand their own experiences, and facilitate open communication with care providers, while an extensive glossary clarifies the dizzying array of terms used by medical professionals. Optimistic, practical, and
recovery-oriented, The First Episode of Psychosis will help young people and their families to take an active, informed role in their care as they take steps towards recovery and achieving their goals.

"Now in its second edition, The First Episode of Psychosis is the ideal book for young people and their families experiencing the frightening and confusing initial episode of psychosis, which often occurs during late adolescence or early adulthood. The updated edition includes information on specialized early intervention services, going back to school and work, and the latest treatments and medicines. The book covers a range of topics essential for young people and families facing the challenges of psychosis. Topics covered include early warning signs, symptoms, types of primary psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder, evaluation, treatment, and healthy lifestyle choices. Worksheets helps readers to track and better understand their own experiences, and to openly communicate with care providers. An extensive glossary clarifies the dizzying array of terms used by medical professionals. Optimistic, practical, and recovery-oriented, The First Episode of Psychosis will help young people and their families take an active, informed role in their care as they take steps towards achieving their goals"--

"Beth Broussard and Michael Compton provide clear, straightforward, and recovery-oriented information for young people dealing with psychosis and their family members. The Second Edition has been updated to reflect the standard of care in 2021 and years to come, covering symptoms, causes of
psychosis, medicines and psychosocial interventions, staying healthy, going back to school or work, and much more." -- Lisa Dixon, MD, MPH, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

"The First Episode of Psychosis truly is a guide for young people with early psychosis and their family members, friends, and other loved ones. Early intervention services have made major advances over the past decade, and this book--carefully and thoughtfully compiled by two experts, in mental
health education and in psychiatry--gives you everything you need to know." -- Patrick McGorry, MD, PhD, University of Melbourne, and Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia