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Early intervention in psychosis
If you have a first episode of psychosis, you should be offered care from an early intervention in psychosis (EIP) team. They offer medicine, talking therapy, family support and help with work, education and housing.
Antipsychotic medicines
Antipsychotics reduce symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. They come as tablets, liquids or long-acting injections given every few weeks.
- your doctor will talk through the options and side effects with you
- common side effects include weight gain, drowsiness and restlessness
- it can take a few weeks to feel the full benefit
- do not stop suddenly, as this can lead to a relapse. Talk to your team if you want to change or stop
If two antipsychotics have not worked well enough, you should be offered clozapine.
Talking therapies
- CBT for psychosis (CBTp) helps you make sense of and cope with your experiences
- family intervention helps families understand psychosis and support recovery
- arts therapies can help, especially with negative symptoms
Physical health
People with schizophrenia have a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes, partly because of some medicines. You should have regular physical health checks, including weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, and support to stop smoking.
Hospital
Some people need a stay in hospital during a crisis, usually voluntarily. In some situations, the Mental Health Act allows people to be treated in hospital to keep them or others safe.
Next, read about living well with schizophrenia.
Common questions
What is clozapine?
Clozapine is an antipsychotic used when at least two other antipsychotics have not worked well enough. It can be very effective but needs regular blood tests to check for a rare side effect.
Sources we used
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