An update on: meta-analysis of medical and non-medicaltreatments of the prodromal phase of psychotic illness in at risk mental states.

INTRODUCTION:

There are now many existing studies which assess the treatments available for 'at risk mental states', as patients who are believed to be in the prodromal phase of psychotic illness are referred to. However, concerns regarding side effects of possible treatments remain. We here conduct a meta-analysis of the studies available up to July 2016. The aim of this study is to decide what would be the best treatment for 'at high risk patients'.

RESULTS:

18 studies were selected for inclusion; 12 showed significance, 5 did not and one tended towards significance. Both antipsychotic medication and psychological intervention show mixed results with cognitive behavioral therapy and olanzapine/amisulpride coming out on top. Omega 3 poly-unsaturated acid also shows promising and consistent results.

DISCUSSION:

Treatments appear promising but a balance needs to be kept between adverse events and effectiveness of preventing psychosis.

CONCLUSION:

It is necessary to search further for treatments in order to identify effective treatments with fewer adverse side-effects in this phase of psychotic illness.