A substantial proportion of individuals first experience psychotic symptoms during adolescence. In recognition of this, many specialised teams for first episode psychosis now include transition age youth including younger adolescents. Early identification and intervention during this period has the potential to improve immediate and long-term outcomes, but working with adolescents requires familiarity with issues specific to this developmental stage.
This two-part presentation will review aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of first episode psychosis in which developmental considerations should be taken into account. This includes aspects of pathophysiology related to early onset of psychosis, differential diagnosis, the importance of considering the interaction of psychotic symptoms with developmental tasks such as changing social roles and increasing independence, the importance of assessing and engaging with families, interacting with the educational system, and specific considerations for adolescents in psychosocial and pharmacologic intervention.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the manifestation of prodromal and first episode psychotic symptoms with focus on developmentally relevant manifestations in adolescents.
- Discuss risk factors and diagnostic assessment strategies to enhance early detection and differential diagnosis.
- Identify psychosocial and pharmacological interventions with evidence for efficacy in the treatment of early psychosis.
Target Audience
Psychiatrist, Physician (non-psychiatrist), Physician Assistant, Nurse/Nurse Practitioner
Instructional Level
Introductory; Intermediate
Estimated Time to Complete
Estimated Duration: 1.0 hour
Program Start Date: December 16, 2019
Program End Date: December 16, 2022
How to Earn Credit
Participants who wish to earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, CE credit for psychologists, or a certificate of participation may do so by attending the live presentation and completing the evaluation. After evaluating the program, course participants will be provided with an opportunity to claim hours of participation and print an official CME certificate (physicians), CE certificate (psychologists), or certificate of participation (other professions) showing the completion date and hours earned.
Continuing Education Credit
Physicians
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The APA designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Faculty and Planner Disclosures
Instructors
- Tresha Gibbs, MD, New York City Children's Center (OMH). Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
- Rhoshel Lenroot, MD, University of New Mexico, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
Planners
- Teri Brister, PhD, LPC, National Alliance on Mental Illness. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
- Tristan Gorrindo, MD, American Psychiatric Association. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
Program Reviewers
- John Torous, MD, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Torous has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. (Reviewed on 11/09/22)
- Teri Brister, PhD, LPC, National Alliance on Mental Illness. Dr. Brister has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. (Reviewed on 11/23/22)
Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities
The American Psychiatric Association is committed to ensuring accessibility of its website to people with disabilities. If you have trouble accessing any of APA’s online resources, please contact us at 202-559-3900 for assistance.
Technical Requirements
This internet-based CME activity is best experienced using any of the following:
- The latest and 2nd latest public versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari
- Internet Explorer 11+
This Web site requires that JavaScript and session cookies be enabled. Certain activities may require additional software to view multimedia, presentation, or printable versions of the content. These activities will be marked as such and will provide links to the required software. That software may be: Adobe Flash, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Windows Media Player.
Optimal System Configuration:
- Browser: Google Chrome (latest and 2nd latest version), Safari (latest and 2nd latest version), Internet Explorer 11.0+, Firefox (latest and 2nd latest version), or Microsoft Edge (latest and 2nd latest version)
- Operating System: Windows versions 8.1+, Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) +, Android (latest and 2nd latest version), or iOS/iPad OS (latest and 2nd latest version)
- Internet Connection: 1 Mbps or higher
Minimum Requirements:
- Windows PC: Windows 8.1 or higher; 1 GB (for 32-bit)/2 GB (for 64-bit) or higher RAM; Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content
- Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher with latest updates installed; Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor; 512 MB or higher RAM; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content
For assistance: Contact educme@psych.org for questions about this activity | Contact SMIAdviserHelp@psych.org for technical assistance