Peter J. Weiden MD, John Sweeney PhD, Robert Marvin MD, Hugo Solari MD, Cherise Rosen RN, PhD, Jim Reilly PhD, Sarah Keedy PhD, Scot Hill PhD, Margret S.H. Harris MA, Catherine Batscha MSN, PMHCNS, BC and Marion Malcome LCSW

For more information, please call Marion Malcome at (312) 413-4638 or Margret S.H. Harris at (312) 355-0340

The First Episode Psychosis Clinic at the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago provides comprehensive assessment and treatment to individuals who are for the first time experiencing psychotic symptoms, such as hearing voices, feeling unreasonably suspicious, or having unusual beliefs. Eligibility for this clinical program is restricted to those who have not experienced such problems before their current episode of illness or who have had only very limited previous treatment. There are also research participation opportunities for first episode psychosis patients, but participating in research is purely voluntary and will have no impact on whether patients receive clinical care.

The earlier treatment of psychosis can start, the better the long-term outcome. Weeks and months of untreated illness are believed to lower the chance that a person will respond well to treatment, and some believe that enduring untreated psychosis may permanently damage the brain and severely disrupt an individual's ability to function well after psychotic symptoms are brought under control.

The first thing we do in the First Episode Psychosis Clinic is to conduct a thorough evaluation. There are many possible causes of psychosis, and we need to be sure what the problem is before we begin treatment. So, unless the need for treatment is very immediate, we often begin our work with a period of medical and psychological evaluation that may take several days. Sometimes this is completed on an inpatient unit. If indicated, we use antipsychotic medications to reduce the severity of psychosis.

Because the onset of psychotic symptoms can be very disruptive to the family as well as the patient, we provide educational and support services to family members to help them cope with the stress that mental illness can create in families. A multi-disciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and nurses work together to provide a complete evaluation, to assist the patient and their family through education, therapy, and treatment planning, and to help the patient and their family find additional support and services available in their community.

Program Goals of the First Episode Clinic

• To provide individualized and integrated medical and psychosocial treatment for patients with a first episode of psychosis.
• To encourage and facilitate participation in research into the causes and best treatment for psychotic disorders.
• To develop methods for early detection and diagnosis of psychotic disorders.
• To maximize social and school/work functioning.
• To reduce and prevent relapse into psychosis.
• To provide therapeutic and educational resources for family members.

Program Description

The First Episode Clinic offers comprehensive individual and family therapy for first-episode psychosis. Services include:

• Biopsychosocial based Inpatient and Outpatient care
• Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
• Psychiatric Mental Health Assessment
• Individualized treatment plans
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy and Family Support groups
• Medication management
• Psychoeducation groups for patients and families
• Substance Abuse Treatment
• Symptom Management group
• Vocational and Living Skills training

Individual Therapist/Case Management

Every patient has an individual therapist/case manager who provides ongoing assessment, treatment, and coordination of care. The therapeutic relationship that develops throughout follow-up is an essential component of treatment, recovery, and improved long-term outcome. The range of services an individual therapist/case manager may provide include direct provision or coordination of:

• Assessment
• Coordinating care with the patient and family
• Individual psychotherapy
• Education to patient and family
• Crisis intervention
• Reinforcement of compliance with treatment recommendations
• Social work assistance in establishing needed services Social Security Disability

LINKS:

View the University of Illinois Hospital webpage for the First Episode Psychosis Clinic

First Episode Research project information

Click here to learn about treatment available for individuals already diagnosed with a psychotic illness