These experiences may be accompanied by mood shifts such as depression, anxiety, or outbursts, said Thomas McGlashan, M.D., executive director of the Yale Psychiatric Institute and leader of the study. The study is the first in this country to explore the possibility of preventing, delaying or significantly reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses with a combination of early identification and treatment for individuals who, while in the prime of their lives, are at risk for developing a debilitating mental illness. Preliminary results from research conducted in Norway and Australia indicate that early intervention may prevent symptoms from developing or may significantly reduce symptoms of mental disorders. Traditional treatment involves reducing symptoms after the illness has already caused sometimes severe problems. Schizophrenia accounts for about 75 percent of all mental health expenditures in industrialized countries.
Treatment lasts for one year, accompanied by one year of follow-up monitoring.
All study related treatment is free of charge and all discussions are completely confidential. P.O. Box 208038, New Haven, CT, 06520-8038.