Initiatives to shorten duration of untreated psychosis: systematic review.

BACKGROUND:

Long duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is common and associated with poor outcomes. Strategies to enhance early detection of first-episode psychosis have been advocated.

AIMS:

To evaluate initiatives for early detection of psychosis.

METHOD:

Systematic review of available evidence on the effectiveness of early detection initiatives to reduce the DUP.

RESULTS:

The review included 11 studies which evaluated 8 early detection initiatives. Evidence suggests that general practitioner education campaigns and dedicated early intervention services do not by themselves reduce DUP or generate more treated cases. Evidence for multifocus initiatives is mixed: intensive campaigns targeting the general public as well as relevant professionals may be needed. No studies evaluated initiatives targeting young people or professionals from non-health organisations.

CONCLUSIONS:

How early detection can be achieved is not clear. Evidence is most promising for intensive public awareness campaigns: these require organisation and resourcing at a regional or national level. More good-quality studies are needed to address gaps in knowledge.