As with other chronic health conditions, there is no magic bullet for schizophrenia. At least as important as the search for magic bullets, however, is an increasing focus on early intervention and integrating existing treatments. This year, we've had encouraging news about integrated, comprehensive approaches for treating people with first episode psychosis, most recently from a major NIMH initiative, the Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode, or RAISE project. RAISE looked at coordinated specialty care for first episode psychosis. With coordinated specialty care, the young person experiencing first episode psychosis works with a team of specialists to create a personal treatment plan, combining recovery-oriented psychotherapy, low-dose medication management, family education and support, case management, and work or education support. Coordinated specialty care emphasizes shared decision making, including family members, when possible.
