Pharmacotherapy of First‐Episode Schizophrenia

approximately 1% of the world’s population. It is characterized by abnormal perceptual experiences, lack of expressiveness, social withdrawal, and cognitive difficulties. Onset of the disease typically occurs in late adolescence to early adulthood with prodromal symptoms—those being present prior to diagnosis of overt illness—noted years earlier in some patients. During these critical years of social, academic, and vocational development, many individuals with schizophrenia experience symptoms that hinder their ability tomeet personal goals. Symptomsmay be both terrifying and disabling. The disease is also associated with significant social costs. These include high rates of suicide, incarceration, unemployment, homelessness, and substance abuse. An additional concern is the life-shortening capacity of the disorder, primarily from cardiovascular disease and suicide. Individuals with schizophrenia have up to a 20% reduction in life expectancy comparedwith the general population. Given the substantial clinical and societal burden associated with schizophrenia, new approaches to manage this illness are urgently needed. After completing this CME activity, clinicians should be able to provide evidence based treatment for individuals early in the course of a psychotic illness.