first-episode psychosis
The initial occurrence of psychotic symptoms in an individual, representing a critical period for early intervention and treatment.
Full Definition
First-episode psychosis refers to the first time an individual experiences psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, or severely disorganized behavior. This period is considered crucial because early intervention can significantly impact long-term outcomes and prognosis. Research has shown that the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is an important prognostic factor, with shorter periods associated with better outcomes. First-episode psychosis studies often focus on young adults and adolescents, as most psychotic disorders have their onset during this developmental period. These studies may investigate optimal treatment strategies, biomarkers for prediction and monitoring, and factors that influence treatment response and functional recovery.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as compound modifier; may be abbreviated as FEP in clinical contexts.
In Context
- "The study enrolled patients within six months of their first-episode psychosis." — Inclusion criteria
- "First-episode psychosis patients showed greater treatment response compared to chronic patients." — Research findings