Identification of Prodromal Signs and Symptoms and Early Intervention in Manic Depressive Psychosis Patients: A Case Example

Recent research has revealed that relapse in manic depressive psychosis and schizophrenia is preceded by specific prodromal signs and symptoms that include dysphoria, other non-psychotic symptoms and features unique to individual patients. Treatment studies in schizophrenia have shown that early pharmacological intervention during a prodromal phase of psychotic relapse may be effective in the prevention of hospitalization. This paper describes the procedure of prodromal signs identification in manic depressive psychosis and the negotiation of an appropriate plan of action with the mental health services in order to abort the relapse or reduce its severity through early pharmacological intervention. A case example is presented to demonstrate this approach.