Ineffectiveness of Early Intervention in Ultrahigh Risk for Psychosis

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that an intensive, multi-stage early intervention approach for individuals at ultrahigh risk of psychosis was ineffective. The study, which included 342 participants, tested specialized psychological and psychopharmacological interventions but found no improvement in remission and functional recovery compared to control conditions. Relapse rates were high among those who did remit after treatment, and maintenance therapy after remission was no more effective than simple monitoring. The study highlights the limitations of the ultrahigh risk model in predicting psychosis and suggests that enhancing the intensity of treatment does not produce significant benefits over simpler care for a longer duration.