Medication management following first-episode psychosis in young people: a developmental approach

Abstract

SummaryYoung adults and adolescents who experience a first episode of psychosis are faced with important issues and choices concerning their future mental health. Individual and family psychological treatments and psychosocial supportive measures are now well recognised interventions for this group of individuals. This article considers the complexity surrounding medication management after the initial recovery from psychosis. The discussion focuses particularly on the medical treatments, developmental considerations and roles of psychiatrists in improving outcomes for this group of patients.Learning Objectives•Understand the potential benefits and risks of maintenance antipsychotics for young people recovering from first-episode psychosis.•Have an improved knowledge of psychological and developmental concepts that can underpin young people's decision-making regarding maintenance medication for mental illness.•Be able to develop a range of (age-appropriate) strategies to assist medication decision-making.