The West Kent & Medway Early Intervention in Psychosis Service

often related to the stage of the psychosis. When psychotic symptoms are at
their strongest and most severe (often referred to as the acute stage) higher
quantities of the drug are needed to bring the symptoms under control.
However, when someone is in the recovery stage and symptoms are not as
distressing or have gone altogether the dosage can be lowered.
Medication given in injection form is usually administered by a nurse. Again,
the frequency of injections depends on the individual and varies from person
to person. Some people have one injection once a week but some people
have an injection every two weeks or once a month.
The length of time taking medication
This also varies from individual to individual and how long symptoms persist. It
is recommended that after a first episode of psychosis anti psychotic
medication should be taken for two years. However, this can increase to five
years in the event of relapse.
Other treatments
Individual psychological treatments
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been proven to be effective in
reducing positive symptoms and distress. CBT looks at the relationship
between thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and provides people with
strategies to manage their symptoms and make sense of their experiences.
Some other therapy approaches (e.g., Solution-Focused) may also be useful in
some cases.
Family Interventions
Behavioural Family Therapy (BFT) involves members of a family, including the
client, being seen together for approximately 10 sessions. It primarily aims to
reduce stress, assist in solving current problems and to help understand one
another. Another approach that some families find helpful is Systemic
Therapy.
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