Specialised care for early psychosis: symptoms, social functioning and patient satisfaction: randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND The provision of early intervention services for people with psychosis is UK government policy, although evidence for benefit of such services is sparse. AIMS To evaluate the effects of a service providing specialised care for early psychosis (the Lambeth Early Onset Team) on clinical and social outcomes, and on service user satisfaction. METHOD One hundred and forty-four people with psychosis, presenting to mental health services for the first or second time (if previously failed to engage in treatment), were randomly allocated to care by the early onset team or to standard care. Information was obtained on symptoms, treatment adherence, social and vocational functioning, satisfaction and quality of life. Relapse and rehospitalisation data have been reported separately. RESULTS Outcomes for the participants treated by the early onset team were significantly better at 18 months for aspects of social and vocational functioning, satisfaction, quality of life and medication adherence. Symptom improvement did not significantly differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS The provision of specialised care for early psychosis can achieve better outcomes. The study therefore provides support for current policy.