SAGE Publications, Australasian Psychiatry, 3(30), p. 341-345, 2021
DOI: 10.1177/10398562211054656
Full text: Unavailable
Objective:To present a practical, easy-to-implement clinical framework designed to support evidence-based quality prescribing for people with early psychosis.Method:Identification and explanation of key principles relating to evidence-based pharmacotherapy for people with early psychosis. These were derived from the literature, practice guidelines and clinical experience.Results:Key principles include (1) medication choice informed by adverse effects; (2) metabolic monitoring at baseline and at regular intervals; (3) comprehensive and regular medication risk–benefit assessment and psychoeducation; (4) early consideration of long-acting injectable formulations (preferably driven by informed patient choice); (5) identification and treatment of comorbid mood disorders and (6) early consideration of clozapine when treatment refractory criteria are met.Conclusions:Current prescribing practices do not align with the well-established evidence for quality pharmacotherapy in early psychosis. Adopting evidence-based prescribing practices for people with early psychosis will improve outcomes.