Status of the Early Psychosis Movement in Korea

Abstract

Two key philosophical questions face the early psychosis movement: 1) Can we really prevent or decrease the incidence of schizophrenia using early interventions with those at high risk for psychosis? and 2) Can optimal biopsychosocial treatment during the critical period of 5 years after onset really stop the progression of the illness after the first episode? Although the correlations between decreased duration of untreated psychotic symptoms and good treatment outcomes and between early intervention with individuals at high risk for psychosis and prevention of the onset of schizophrenia remain controversial. Clinicians agree that earlier treatment is better than later treatment. Thus, the early psychosis movement has emerged from certain philosophical commitments and humanistic perspectives. This article describes developments occurring in Korea with respect to research on and treatment of early psychosis