Psychosis and Schizophrenia in Adult - NICE Guideline

Psychosis and schizophrenia
in adults: prevention and

management
Clinical guideline
Published: 12 February 2014
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg178
© NICE 2021. All rights reserved. Subject to Notice of rights (https://www.nice.org.uk/terms-and-conditions#notice-of-

rights). Last updated 1 March 2014
Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults: prevention and management (CG178)
Your responsibility
The recommendations in this guideline represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful
consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, professionals and
practitioners are expected to take this guideline fully into account, alongside the individual needs,
preferences and values of their patients or the people using their service. It is not mandatory to
apply the recommendations, and the guideline does not override the responsibility to make
decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual, in consultation with them and their
families and carers or guardian.
Local commissioners and providers of healthcare have a responsibility to enable the guideline to be
applied when individual professionals and people using services wish to use it. They should do so in
the context of local and national priorities for funding and developing services, and in light of their
duties to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, to advance equality of
opportunity and to reduce health inequalities. Nothing in this guideline should be interpreted in a
way that would be inconsistent with complying with those duties.
Commissioners and providers have a responsibility to promote an environmentally sustainable

health and care system and should assess and reduce the environmental impact of implementing
NICE recommendations wherever possible.
© NICE 2021. All rights reserved. Subject to Notice of rights (https://www.nice.org.uk/terms-and- Page 2
conditions#notice-of-rights). Last updated 1 March 2014 of 39
Contents
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Who is it for? ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Key priorities for implementation ............................................................................................................................... 7
Preventing psychosis ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7
First episode psychosis ................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Subsequent acute episodes of psychosis or schizophrenia and referral in crisis .................................................. 8
Promoting recovery and possible future care ..................................................................................................................... 8
1 Recommendations ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
1.1 Care across all phases ........................................................................................................................................................... 10
1.2 Preventing psychosis.............................................................................................................................................................. 14
1.3 First episode psychosis .......................................................................................................................................................... 16
1.4 Subsequent acute episodes of psychosis or schizophrenia and referral in crisis ........................................... 23
1.5 Promoting recovery and possible future care .............................................................................................................. 27
2 Research recommendations ...................................................................................................................................... 33
2.1 Peer support interventions.................................................................................................................................................. 33
2.2 People who choose not to take antipsychotic medication ...................................................................................... 33
2.3 The physical health benefits of discontinuing antipsychotic medication .......................................................... 34
2.4 Maintaining the benefits of early intervention in psychosis services after discharge ................................. 35
2.5 Interventions for PTSD symptoms in people with psychosis and schizophrenia........................................... 35
Finding more information and resources ................................................................................................................. 37
Update information ........................................................................................................................................................... 38
This guideline replaces CG82 and ESNM39.
This guideline is the basis of QS80 and QS167.
Overview
This guideline covers recognising and managing psychosis and schizophrenia in adults. It aims to
improve care through early recognition and treatment, and by focusing on long-term recovery. It
also recommends checking for coexisting health problems and providing support for family
members and carers.
In March 2014, a correction was made to the wording of recommendation 1.1.3.3 to clarify that it is
the hydrocarbons in cigarette smoke that cause interactions with other drugs, rather than nicotine.
Who is it for?
• Healthcare professionals
• People with psychosis or schizophrenia, their families and carers
Introduction
This guideline covers the treatment and management of psychosis and schizophrenia and related
disorders in adults (18 years and older) with onset before 60 years. The term 'psychosis' is used in
this guideline to refer to the group of psychotic disorders that includes schizophrenia,
schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder and delusional disorder. The recognition,
treatment and management of affective psychoses (such as bipolar disorder or unipolar psychotic
depression) are covered by other NICE guidelines. The guideline does not address the specific
treatment of young people under the age of 18 years, except those who are receiving treatment
and support from early intervention in psychosis services; there is a separate NICE guideline on
psychosis and schizophrenia in children and young people.
Psychosis and the specific diagnosis of schizophrenia represent a major psychiatric disorder (or
cluster of disorders) in which a person's perception, thoughts, mood and behaviour are significantly
altered. The symptoms of psychosis and schizophrenia are usually divided into 'positive symptoms',
including hallucinations (perception in the absence of any stimulus) and delusions (fixed or falsely
held beliefs), and 'negative symptoms' (such as emotional apathy, lack of drive, poverty of speech,
social withdrawal and self-neglect). Each person will have a unique combination of symptoms and
experiences.
Typically there is a prodromal period, which precedes a first episode of psychosis and can last from
a few days to around 18 months. The prodromal period is often characterised by some
deterioration in personal functioning. Changes include the emergence of transient (of short
duration) and/or attenuated (of lower intensity) psychotic symptoms, memory and concentration
problems, unusual behaviour and ideas, disturbed communication and affect, and social
withdrawal, apathy and reduced interest in daily activities. The prodromal period is usually
followed by an acute episode marked by hallucinations, delusions and behavioural disturbances,
usually accompanied by agitation and distress. Following resolution of the acute episode, usually
after pharmacological, psychological and other interventions, symptoms diminish and often
disappear for many people, although sometimes a number of negative symptoms remain. This
phase, which can last for many years, may be interrupted by recurrent acute episodes that may
need additional pharmacological, psychological and other interventions, as in previous episodes.
Although this is a common pattern, the course of schizophrenia varies considerably. Some people
may have positive symptoms very briefly; others may experience them for many years. Others have
no prodromal period, the disorder beginning suddenly with an acute episode.
Over a lifetime, about 1% of the population will develop psychosis and schizophrenia. The first
symptoms tend to start in young adulthood, at a time when a person would usually make the
transition to independent living, but can occur at any age. The symptoms and behaviour associated
with psychosis and schizophrenia can have a distressing impact on the individual, family and
friends.
Psychosis and schizophrenia are associated with considerable stigma, fear and limited public
understanding. The first few years after onset can be particularly upsetting and chaotic, and there
is a higher risk of suicide. Once an acute episode is over, there are often other problems such as
social exclusion, with reduced opportunities to get back to work or study, and problems forming
new relationships.
In the last decade, there has been a new emphasis on services for early detection and intervention,
and a focus on long-term recovery and promoting people's choices about the management of their
condition. There is evidence that most people will recover, although some will have persisting
difficulties or remain vulnerable to future episodes. Not everyone will accept help from statutory
services. In the longer term, most people will find ways to manage acute problems, and compensate
for any remaining difficulties.
Carers, relatives and friends of people with psychosis and schizophrenia are important both in the
process of assessment and engagement, and in the long-term successful delivery of effective
treatments. This guideline uses the term 'carer' to apply to everyone who has regular close contact
with people with psychosis and schizophrenia, including advocates, friends or family members,
although some family members may choose not to be carers.
Psychosis and schizophrenia are commonly associated with a number of other conditions, such as
depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorder and substance misuse.
This guideline does not cover these conditions. NICE has produced separate guidance on the
management of these conditions (see our webpage on mental health and behavioural conditions).
The guideline will assume that prescribers will use a drug's summary of product characteristics to
inform decisions made with individual patients.
Key priorities for implementation

The following recommendations have been identified as priorities for implementation. The full list
of recommendations is in section 1.
Preventing psychosis
• If a person is considered to be at increased risk of developing psychosis (as described in
recommendation 1.2.1.1):
－ offer individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with or without family intervention
(delivered as described in section 1.3.7) and
－ offer interventions recommended in NICE guidance for people with any of the anxiety
disorders, depression, emerging personality disorder or substance misuse. [2014]
First episode psychosis

• Early intervention in psychosis services should be accessible to all people with a first episode
or first presentation of psychosis, irrespective of the person's age or the duration of untreated
psychosis. [2014]
• Assess for post-traumatic stress disorder and other reactions to trauma because people with
psychosis or schizophrenia are likely to have experienced previous adverse events or trauma
associated with the development of the psychosis or as a result of the psychosis itself. For
people who show signs of post-traumatic stress, follow the recommendations in the NICE
guideline on post-traumatic stress disorder. [2014]
• The choice of antipsychotic medication should be made by the service user and healthcare
professional together, taking into account the views of the carer if the service user agrees.
Provide information and discuss the likely benefits and possible side effects of each drug,
including:
－ metabolic (including weight gain and diabetes)
－ extrapyramidal (including akathisia, dyskinesia and dystonia)
－ cardiovascular (including prolonging the QT interval)
－ hormonal (including increasing plasma prolactin)
－ other (including unpleasant subjective experiences). [2009; amended 2014]
• Do not initiate regular combined antipsychotic medication, except for short periods (for
example, when changing medication). [2009]
Subsequent acute episodes of psychosis or

schizophrenia and referral in crisis
• Offer CBT to all people with psychosis or schizophrenia (delivered as described in
recommendation 1.3.7.1). This can be started either during the acute phase or later, including
in inpatient settings. [2009]
• Offer family intervention to all families of people with psychosis or schizophrenia who live with
or are in close contact with the service user (delivered as described in recommendation
1.3.7.2). This can be started either during the acute phase or later, including in inpatient
settings. [2009]
Promoting recovery and possible future care

• GPs and other primary healthcare professionals should monitor the physical health of people
with psychosis or schizophrenia when responsibility for monitoring is transferred from
secondary care, and then at least annually. The health check should be comprehensive,
focusing on physical health problems that are common in people with psychosis and
schizophrenia. Include all the checks in recommendation 1.3.6.1 and refer to relevant NICE
guidance on monitoring for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and respiratory disease. A
copy of the results should be sent to the care coordinator and psychiatrist, and put in the
secondary care notes. [2014]
• Offer clozapine to people with schizophrenia whose illness has not responded adequately to
treatment despite the sequential use of adequate doses of at least 2 different antipsychotic
drugs. At least 1 of the drugs should be a non-clozapine second-generation antipsychotic.
[2009]
• Offer supported employment programmes to people with psychosis or schizophrenia who wish
to find or return to work. Consider other occupational or educational activities, including pre-
vocational training, for people who are unable to work or unsuccessful in finding employment.
[2014]
1 Recommendations
The following guidance is based on the best available evidence. The full guideline gives details of
the methods and the evidence used to develop the guidance.
People have the right to be involved in discussions and make informed decisions about their
care, as described in making decisions about your care.
Making decisions using NICE guidelines explains how we use words to show the strength (or
certainty) of our recommendations, and has information about prescribing medicines
(including off-label use), professional guidelines, standards and laws (including on consent and
mental capacity), and safeguarding.
1.1 Care across all phases

1.1.1 Service user experience
1.1.1.1 Use this guideline in conjunction with the NICE guideline on service user
experience in adult mental health to improve the experience of care for people
with psychosis or schizophrenia using mental health services, and:
• work in partnership with people with schizophrenia and their carers
• offer help, treatment and care in an atmosphere of hope and optimism
• take time to build supportive and empathic relationships as an essential part of care.
[2009; amended 2014]
1.1.2 Race, culture and ethnicity

The NICE guideline on service user experience in adult mental health includes recommendations
on communication relevant to this section.
1.1.2.1 Healthcare professionals inexperienced in working with people with psychosis

or schizophrenia from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds should seek
advice and supervision from healthcare professionals who are experienced in
working transculturally. [2009]
1.1.2.2 Healthcare professionals working with people with psychosis or schizophrenia

should ensure they are competent in:
• assessment skills for people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds
• using explanatory models of illness for people from diverse ethnic and cultural
backgrounds
• explaining the causes of psychosis or schizophrenia and treatment options
• addressing cultural and ethnic differences in treatment expectations and adherence
• addressing cultural and ethnic differences in beliefs regarding biological, social and
family influences on the causes of abnormal mental states
• negotiating skills for working with families of people with psychosis or schizophrenia
• conflict management and conflict resolution. [2009]
1.1.2.3 Mental health services should work with local voluntary black, Asian and
minority ethnic groups to jointly ensure that culturally appropriate
psychological and psychosocial treatment, consistent with this guideline and
delivered by competent practitioners, is provided to people from diverse ethnic
and cultural backgrounds. [2009]
1.1.3 Physical health

1.1.3.1 People with psychosis or schizophrenia, especially those taking antipsychotics,
should be offered a combined healthy eating and physical activity programme
by their mental healthcare provider.
Our 2019 review of the STEPWISE trial did not change this recommendation.
[2019]
1.1.3.2 If a person has rapid or excessive weight gain, abnormal lipid levels or problems
with blood glucose management, offer interventions in line with relevant NICE
guidance (see the NICE guidelines on obesity, cardiovascular disease: risk
assessment and reduction, including lipid modification and preventing type 2
diabetes). [2014]
1.1.3.3 Offer people with psychosis or schizophrenia who smoke help to stop smoking,
even if previous attempts have been unsuccessful. Be aware of the potential

significant impact of reducing cigarette smoking on the metabolism of other
drugs, particularly clozapine and olanzapine. [2014]
1.1.3.4 Consider one of the following to help people stop smoking:
• nicotine replacement therapy (usually a combination of transdermal patches with a

short-acting product such as an inhalator, gum, lozenges or spray) for people with
psychosis or schizophrenia or
• bupropion for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or
• varenicline for people with psychosis or schizophrenia.
Warn people taking bupropion or varenicline that there is an increased risk of adverse
neuropsychiatric symptoms and monitor them regularly, particularly in the first 2 to
3 weeks. [2014]
1.1.3.5 For people in inpatient settings who do not want to stop smoking, offer nicotine
replacement therapy to help them to reduce or temporarily stop smoking.
[2014]
1.1.3.6 Routinely monitor weight, and cardiovascular and metabolic indicators of

morbidity in people with psychosis and schizophrenia. These should be audited
in the annual team report. [2014]
1.1.3.7 Trusts should ensure compliance with quality standards on the monitoring and
treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disease in people with psychosis or
schizophrenia through board-level performance indicators. [2014]
1.1.4 Comprehensive services provision

1.1.4.1 All teams providing services for people with psychosis or schizophrenia should
offer a comprehensive range of interventions consistent with this guideline.
[2009]
1.1.5 Support for carers

1.1.5.1 Offer carers of people with psychosis or schizophrenia an assessment (provided
by mental health services) of their own needs and discuss with them their
strengths and views. Develop a care plan to address any identified needs, give a
copy to the carer and their GP and ensure it is reviewed annually. See the NICE
guideline on supporting adult carers. [2014]
1.1.5.2 Advise carers about their right to a carer's assessment (see the NICE guideline
on supporting adult carers for recommendations on identifying, assessing and
meeting the caring, physical and mental health needs of carers). [2014]
1.1.5.3 Give carers written and verbal information in an accessible format about:
• diagnosis and management of psychosis and schizophrenia
• positive outcomes and recovery
• types of support for carers
• role of teams and services
• getting help in a crisis.
When providing information, offer the carer support if necessary. [2014]
1.1.5.4 As early as possible negotiate with service users and carers about how
information about the service user will be shared. When discussing rights to
confidentiality, emphasise the importance of sharing information about risks
and the need for carers to understand the service user's perspective. Foster a
collaborative approach that supports both service users and carers, and
respects their individual needs and interdependence. [2014]
1.1.5.5 Review regularly how information is shared, especially if there are

communication and collaboration difficulties between the service user and
carer. [2014]
1.1.5.6 Include carers in decision-making if the service user agrees. [2014]
1.1.5.7 Offer a carer-focused education and support programme, which may be part of
a family intervention for psychosis and schizophrenia, as early as possible to all
carers. The intervention should:
• be available as needed
• have a positive message about recovery. [2014]
1.1.6 Peer support and self-management

1.1.6.1 Consider peer support for people with psychosis or schizophrenia to help
improve service user experience and quality of life. Peer support should be
delivered by a trained peer support worker who has recovered from psychosis
or schizophrenia and remains stable. Peer support workers should receive
support from their whole team, and support and mentorship from experienced
peer workers. [2014]
1.1.6.2 Consider a manualised self-management programme delivered face-to-face

with service users, as part of the treatment and management of psychosis or
schizophrenia. [2014]
1.1.6.3 Peer support and self-management programmes should include information and
advice about:
• psychosis and schizophrenia
• effective use of medication
• identifying and managing symptoms
• accessing mental health and other support services
• coping with stress and other problems
• what to do in a crisis
• building a social support network
• preventing relapse and setting personal recovery goals. [2014]
1.2 Preventing psychosis

1.2.1 Referral from primary care
1.2.1.1 If a person is distressed, has a decline in social functioning and has:
• transient or attenuated psychotic symptoms or
• other experiences or behaviour suggestive of possible psychosis or
• a first-degree relative with psychosis or schizophrenia
refer them for assessment without delay to a specialist mental health service or an
early intervention in psychosis service because they may be at increased risk of
developing psychosis. [2014]
1.2.2 Specialist assessment

1.2.2.1 A consultant psychiatrist or a trained specialist with experience in at-risk mental
states should carry out the assessment. [2014]
1.2.3 Treatment options to prevent psychosis

1.2.3.1 If a person is considered to be at increased risk of developing psychosis (as
described in recommendation 1.2.1.1):
• offer individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with or without family

intervention (delivered as described in section 1.3.7) and
• offer interventions recommended in NICE guidance for people with any of the anxiety
disorders, depression, emerging personality disorder or substance misuse. [2014]
1.2.3.2 Do not offer antipsychotic medication:
• to people considered to be at increased risk of developing psychosis (as described in

recommendation 1.2.1.1) or
• with the aim of decreasing the risk of or preventing psychosis. [2014]
1.2.4 Monitoring and follow-up

1.2.4.1 If, after treatment (as described in recommendation 1.2.3.1), the person
continues to have symptoms, impaired functioning or is distressed, but a clear
diagnosis of psychosis cannot be made, monitor the person regularly for
changes in symptoms and functioning for up to 3 years using a structured and
validated assessment tool. Determine the frequency and duration of monitoring
by the:
• severity and frequency of symptoms
• level of impairment and/or distress and
• degree of family disruption or concern. [2014]
1.2.4.2 If a person asks to be discharged from the service, offer follow-up appointments
and the option to self-refer in the future. Ask the person's GP to continue
monitoring changes in their mental state. [2014]
1.3 First episode psychosis

1.3.1 Early intervention in psychosis services
1.3.1.1 Early intervention in psychosis services should be accessible to all people with a
first episode or first presentation of psychosis, irrespective of the person's age
or the duration of untreated psychosis. [2014]
1.3.1.2 People presenting to early intervention in psychosis services should be assessed

without delay. If the service cannot provide urgent intervention for people in a
crisis, refer the person to a crisis resolution and home treatment team (with
support from early intervention in psychosis services). Referral may be from
primary or secondary care (including other community services) or a self- or
carer-referral. [2014]
1.3.1.3 Early intervention in psychosis services should aim to provide a full range of
pharmacological, psychological, social, occupational and educational
interventions for people with psychosis, consistent with this guideline. [2014]
1.3.1.4 Consider extending the availability of early intervention in psychosis services

beyond 3 years if the person has not made a stable recovery from psychosis or
schizophrenia. [2014]
1.3.2 Primary care

1.3.2.1 Do not start antipsychotic medication for a first presentation of sustained
psychotic symptoms in primary care unless it is done in consultation with a
consultant psychiatrist. [2009; amended 2014]
1.3.3 Assessment and care planning

1.3.3.1 Carry out a comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment of people with
psychotic symptoms in secondary care. This should include assessment by a
psychiatrist, a psychologist or a professional with expertise in the psychological
treatment of people with psychosis or schizophrenia. The assessment should
address the following domains:
• psychiatric (mental health problems, risk of harm to self or others, alcohol

consumption and prescribed and non-prescribed drug history)
• medical, including medical history and full physical examination to identify physical
illness (including organic brain disorders) and prescribed drug treatments that may
result in psychosis
• physical health and wellbeing (including weight, smoking, nutrition, physical activity
and sexual health)
• psychological and psychosocial, including social networks, relationships and history of

trauma
• developmental (social, cognitive and motor development and skills, including

coexisting neurodevelopmental conditions)
• social (accommodation, culture and ethnicity, leisure activities and recreation, and
responsibilities for children or as a carer)
• occupational and educational (attendance at college, educational attainment,

employment and activities of daily living)
• quality of life
• economic status. [2009; amended 2014]
1.3.3.2 Assess for post-traumatic stress disorder and other reactions to trauma
because people with psychosis or schizophrenia are likely to have experienced
previous adverse events or trauma associated with the development of the
psychosis or as a result of the psychosis itself. For people who show signs of
post-traumatic stress, follow the recommendations in the NICE guideline on
post-traumatic stress disorder. [2014]
1.3.3.3 Routinely monitor for other coexisting conditions, including depression, anxiety
and substance misuse particularly in the early phases of treatment. [2009;
amended 2014]
1.3.3.4 Write a care plan in collaboration with the service user as soon as possible
following assessment, based on a psychiatric and psychological formulation, and
a full assessment of their physical health. Send a copy of the care plan to the
primary healthcare professional who made the referral and the service user.
[2009; amended 2014]
1.3.3.5 For people who are unable to attend mainstream education, training or work,
facilitate alternative educational or occupational activities according to their
individual needs and capacity to engage with such activities, with an ultimate
goal of returning to mainstream education, training or employment. [2014]
1.3.4 Treatment options

1.3.4.1 For people with first episode psychosis offer:
• oral antipsychotic medication (see sections 1.3.5 and 1.3.6) in conjunction with
• psychological interventions (family intervention and individual CBT, delivered as

described in section 1.3.7). [2014]
1.3.4.2 Advise people who want to try psychological interventions alone that these are
more effective when delivered in conjunction with antipsychotic medication. If
the person still wants to try psychological interventions alone:
• offer family intervention and CBT
• agree a time (1 month or less) to review treatment options, including introducing

antipsychotic medication
• continue to monitor symptoms, distress, impairment and level of functioning (including

education, training and employment) regularly. [2014]
1.3.4.3 If the person's symptoms and behaviour suggest an affective psychosis or

disorder, including bipolar disorder and unipolar psychotic depression, follow
the recommendations in the NICE guidelines on bipolar disorder or depression.
[2014]
1.3.5 Choice of antipsychotic medication

1.3.5.1 The choice of antipsychotic medication should be made by the service user and
healthcare professional together, taking into account the views of the carer if
the service user agrees. Provide information and discuss the likely benefits and
possible side effects of each drug, including:
• metabolic (including weight gain and diabetes)
• extrapyramidal (including akathisia, dyskinesia and dystonia)
• cardiovascular (including prolonging the QT interval)
• hormonal (including increasing plasma prolactin)
• other (including unpleasant subjective experiences). [2009; amended 2014]
1.3.6 How to use antipsychotic medication

1.3.6.1 Before starting antipsychotic medication, undertake and record the following
baseline investigations:
• weight (plotted on a chart)
• waist circumference
• pulse and blood pressure
• fasting blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood lipid profile and
prolactin levels
• assessment of any movement disorders
• assessment of nutritional status, diet and level of physical activity. [2014]
1.3.6.2 Before starting antipsychotic medication, offer the person with psychosis or
schizophrenia an electrocardiogram (ECG) if:
• specified in the summary of product characteristics (SPC)
• a physical examination has identified specific cardiovascular risk (such as diagnosis of

high blood pressure)
• there is a personal history of cardiovascular disease or
• the service user is being admitted as an inpatient. [2009]
1.3.6.3 Treatment with antipsychotic medication should be considered an explicit

individual therapeutic trial. Include the following:
• Discuss and record the side effects that the person is most willing to tolerate.
• Record the indications and expected benefits and risks of oral antipsychotic
medication, and the expected time for a change in symptoms and appearance of side
effects.
• At the start of treatment give a dose at the lower end of the licensed range and slowly
titrate upwards within the dose range given in the British national formulary (BNF) or
SPC.
• Justify and record reasons for dosages outside the range given in the BNF or SPC.
• Record the rationale for continuing, changing or stopping medication, and the effects
of such changes.
• Carry out a trial of the medication at optimum dosage for 4 to 6 weeks. [2009;
amended 2014]
1.3.6.4 Monitor and record the following regularly and systematically throughout
treatment, but especially during titration:
• response to treatment, including changes in symptoms and behaviour
• side effects of treatment, taking into account overlap between certain side effects and
clinical features of schizophrenia (for example, the overlap between akathisia and
agitation or anxiety) and impact on functioning
• the emergence of movement disorders
• weight, weekly for the first 6 weeks, then at 12 weeks, at 1 year and then annually
(plotted on a chart)
• waist circumference annually (plotted on a chart)
• pulse and blood pressure at 12 weeks, at 1 year and then annually
• fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and blood lipid levels at 12 weeks, at 1 year and then
annually
• adherence
• overall physical health. [2014]
1.3.6.5 The secondary care team should maintain responsibility for monitoring service
users' physical health and the effects of antipsychotic medication for at least the
first 12 months or until the person's condition has stabilised, whichever is
longer. Thereafter, the responsibility for this monitoring may be transferred to
primary care under shared care arrangements. [2014]
1.3.6.6 Discuss any non-prescribed therapies the service user wishes to use (including
complementary therapies) with the service user, and carer if appropriate.
Discuss the safety and efficacy of the therapies, and possible interference with
the therapeutic effects of prescribed medication and psychological treatments.
[2009]
1.3.6.7 Discuss the use of alcohol, tobacco, prescription and non-prescription

medication and illicit drugs with the service user, and carer if appropriate.
Discuss their possible interference with the therapeutic effects of prescribed
medication and psychological treatments. [2009]
1.3.6.8 'As required' (p.r.n.) prescriptions of antipsychotic medication should be made as

described in recommendation 1.3.6.3. Review clinical indications, frequency of
administration, therapeutic benefits and side effects each week or as
appropriate. Check whether 'p.r.n.' prescriptions have led to a dosage above the
maximum specified in the BNF or SPC. [2009]
1.3.6.9 Do not use a loading dose of antipsychotic medication (often referred to as

'rapid neuroleptisation'). [2009]
1.3.6.10 Do not initiate regular combined antipsychotic medication, except for short
periods (for example, when changing medication). [2009]
1.3.6.11 If prescribing chlorpromazine, warn of its potential to cause skin

photosensitivity. Advise using sunscreen if necessary. [2009]
1.3.7 How to deliver psychological interventions

1.3.7.1 CBT should be delivered on a one-to-one basis over at least 16 planned sessions
and:
• follow a treatment manual (with evidence of efficacy from a clinical trial, if possible) so
that:
－ people can establish links between their thoughts, feelings or actions and their
current or past symptoms, and/or functioning
－ the re-evaluation of people's perceptions, beliefs or reasoning relates to the target

symptoms
• also include at least one of the following components:
－ people monitoring their own thoughts, feelings or behaviours with respect to their
symptoms or recurrence of symptoms
－ promoting alternative ways of coping with the target symptom
－ reducing distress
－ improving functioning. [2009]
1.3.7.2 Family intervention should:
• include the person with psychosis or schizophrenia if practical
• be carried out for between 3 months and 1 year
• include at least 10 planned sessions
• take account of the whole family's preference for either single-family intervention or
multi-family group intervention
• take account of the relationship between the main carer and the person with psychosis
or schizophrenia
• have a specific supportive, educational or treatment function and include negotiated

problem solving or crisis management work. [2009]
1.3.8 Monitoring and reviewing psychological interventions

1.3.8.1 When providing psychological interventions, routinely and systematically
monitor a range of outcomes across relevant areas, including service user
satisfaction and, if appropriate, carer satisfaction. [2009]
1.3.8.2 Healthcare teams working with people with psychosis or schizophrenia should
identify a lead healthcare professional within the team whose responsibility is
to monitor and review:
• access to and engagement with psychological interventions
• decisions to offer psychological interventions and equality of access across different

ethnic groups. [2009]
1.3.9 Competencies for delivering psychological interventions

1.3.9.1 Healthcare professionals providing psychological interventions should:
• have an appropriate level of competence in delivering the intervention to people with

psychosis or schizophrenia
• be regularly supervised during psychological therapy by a competent therapist and

supervisor. [2009]
1.3.9.2 Trusts should provide access to training that equips healthcare professionals
with the competencies required to deliver the psychological therapy
interventions recommended in this guideline. [2009]
1.4 Subsequent acute episodes of psychosis or

schizophrenia and referral in crisis
1.4.1 Service-level interventions
1.4.1.1 Offer crisis resolution and home treatment teams as a first-line service to
support people with psychosis or schizophrenia during an acute episode in the
community if the severity of the episode, or the level of risk to self or others,
exceeds the capacity of the early intervention in psychosis services or other
community teams to effectively manage it. [2014]
1.4.1.2 Crisis resolution and home treatment teams should be the single point of entry
to all other acute services in the community and in hospitals. [2014]
1.4.1.3 Consider acute community treatment within crisis resolution and home
treatment teams before admission to an inpatient unit and as a means to enable
timely discharge from inpatient units. Crisis houses or acute day facilities may
be considered in addition to crisis resolution and home treatment teams
depending on the person's preference and need. [2014]
1.4.1.4 If a person with psychosis or schizophrenia needs hospital care, think about the
impact on the person, their carers and other family members, especially if the
inpatient unit is a long way from where they live. If hospital admission is
unavoidable, ensure that the setting is suitable for the person's age, gender and
level of vulnerability, support their carers and follow the recommendations in
the NICE guideline on service user experience in adult mental health. [2014]
1.4.2 Treatment options

1.4.2.1 For people with an acute exacerbation or recurrence of psychosis or
schizophrenia, offer:
• oral antipsychotic medication (see sections 1.3.5 and 1.3.6) in conjunction with
• psychological interventions (family intervention and individual CBT, delivered as

described in section 1.3.7). [2014]
1.4.3 Pharmacological interventions

1.4.3.1 For people with an acute exacerbation or recurrence of psychosis or
schizophrenia, offer oral antipsychotic medication or review existing
medication. The choice of drug should be influenced by the same criteria
recommended for starting treatment (see sections 1.3.5 and 1.3.6). Take into
account the clinical response and side effects of the service user's current and
previous medication. [2009; amended 2014]
1.4.4 Psychological and psychosocial interventions

1.4.4.1 Offer CBT to all people with psychosis or schizophrenia (delivered as described
in recommendation 1.3.7.1). This can be started either during the acute phase or
later, including in inpatient settings. [2009]
1.4.4.2 Offer family intervention to all families of people with psychosis or

schizophrenia who live with or are in close contact with the service user
(delivered as described in recommendation 1.3.7.2). This can be started either
during the acute phase or later, including in inpatient settings. [2009]
1.4.4.3 Consider offering arts therapies to all people with psychosis or schizophrenia,
particularly for the alleviation of negative symptoms. This can be started either
during the acute phase or later, including in inpatient settings. [2009]
1.4.4.4 Arts therapies should be provided by a Health and Care Professions Council
registered arts therapist with previous experience of working with people with
psychosis or schizophrenia. The intervention should be provided in groups
unless difficulties with acceptability and access and engagement indicate
otherwise. Arts therapies should combine psychotherapeutic techniques with
activity aimed at promoting creative expression, which is often unstructured
and led by the service user. Aims of arts therapies should include:
• enabling people with psychosis or schizophrenia to experience themselves differently

and to develop new ways of relating to others
• helping people to express themselves and to organise their experience into a satisfying
aesthetic form
• helping people to accept and understand feelings that may have emerged during the
creative process (including, in some cases, how they came to have these feelings) at a
pace suited to the person. [2009]
1.4.4.5 When psychological treatments, including arts therapies, are started in the
acute phase (including in inpatient settings), the full course should be continued
after discharge without unnecessary interruption. [2009]
1.4.4.6 Do not routinely offer counselling and supportive psychotherapy (as specific
interventions) to people with psychosis or schizophrenia. However, take service
user preferences into account, especially if other more efficacious psychological
treatments, such as CBT, family intervention and arts therapies, are not
available locally. [2009]
1.4.4.7 Do not offer adherence therapy (as a specific intervention) to people with
psychosis or schizophrenia. [2009]
1.4.4.8 Do not routinely offer social skills training (as a specific intervention) to people
with psychosis or schizophrenia. [2009]
1.4.5 Behaviour that challenges

1.4.5.1 Occasionally people with psychosis or schizophrenia pose an immediate risk to
themselves or others during an acute episode and may need rapid
tranquillisation. The management of immediate risk should follow the relevant
NICE guidelines (see recommendations 1.4.5.2 and 1.4.5.5). [2009]
1.4.5.2 Follow the recommendations in the NICE guideline on violence and aggression
when facing imminent violence or when considering rapid tranquillisation.
[2009]
1.4.5.3 After rapid tranquillisation, offer the person with psychosis or schizophrenia the
opportunity to discuss their experiences. Provide them with a clear explanation
of the decision to use urgent sedation. Record this in their notes. [2009]
1.4.5.4 Ensure that the person with psychosis or schizophrenia has the opportunity to
write an account of their experience of rapid tranquillisation in their notes.
[2009]
1.4.5.5 Follow the recommendations in the NICE guideline on self-harm when

managing acts of self-harm in people with psychosis or schizophrenia. [2009]
1.4.6 Early post-acute period

1.4.6.1 After each acute episode, encourage people with psychosis or schizophrenia to
write an account of their illness in their notes. [2009]
1.4.6.2 Healthcare professionals may consider using psychoanalytic and

psychodynamic principles to help them understand the experiences of people
with psychosis or schizophrenia and their interpersonal relationships. [2009]
1.4.6.3 Inform the service user that there is a high risk of relapse if they stop medication
in the next 1 to 2 years. [2009]
1.4.6.4 If withdrawing antipsychotic medication, undertake gradually and monitor

regularly for signs and symptoms of relapse. [2009]
1.4.6.5 After withdrawal from antipsychotic medication, continue monitoring for signs
and symptoms of relapse for at least 2 years. [2009]
1.5 Promoting recovery and possible future care

1.5.1 General principles
1.5.1.1 Continue treatment and care in early intervention in psychosis services or refer
the person to a specialist integrated community-based team. This team should:
• offer the full range of psychological, pharmacological, social and occupational

interventions recommended in this guideline
• be competent to provide all interventions offered
• place emphasis on engagement rather than risk management
• provide treatment and care in the least restrictive and stigmatising environment
possible and in an atmosphere of hope and optimism in line with the NICE guideline on
service user experience in adult mental health. [2014]
1.5.1.2 Consider intensive case management for people with psychosis or

schizophrenia who are likely to disengage from treatment or services. [2014]
1.5.1.3 Review antipsychotic medication annually, including observed benefits and any
side effects. [2014]
1.5.2 Return to primary care

1.5.2.1 Offer people with psychosis or schizophrenia whose symptoms have responded
effectively to treatment and remain stable the option to return to primary care
for further management. If a service user wishes to do this, record this in their
notes and coordinate transfer of responsibilities through the care programme
approach. [2009]
1.5.3 Primary care

Monitoring physical health in primary care
1.5.3.1 Develop and use practice case registers to monitor the physical and mental
health of people with psychosis or schizophrenia in primary care. [2009]
1.5.3.2 GPs and other primary healthcare professionals should monitor the physical
health of people with psychosis or schizophrenia when responsibility for
monitoring is transferred from secondary care, and then at least annually. The
health check should be comprehensive, focusing on physical health problems
that are common in people with psychosis and schizophrenia. Include all the
checks in recommendation 1.3.6.1 and refer to relevant NICE guidance on
monitoring for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and respiratory disease.
A copy of the results should be sent to the care coordinator and psychiatrist,
and put in the secondary care notes. [2014]
1.5.3.3 Identify people with psychosis or schizophrenia who have high blood pressure,
have abnormal lipid levels, are obese or at risk of obesity, have diabetes or are at
risk of diabetes (as indicated by abnormal blood glucose levels), or are physically
inactive, at the earliest opportunity following relevant NICE guidelines on
cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid
modification, preventing type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, prevention of
cardiovascular disease and physical activity. [2014]
1.5.3.4 Treat people with psychosis or schizophrenia who have diabetes and/or
cardiovascular disease in primary care according to the appropriate NICE
guidance (for example, see the NICE guidelines on lipid modification, type 1
diabetes and type 2 diabetes). [2009]
1.5.3.5 Healthcare professionals in secondary care should ensure, as part of the care
programme approach, that people with psychosis or schizophrenia receive
physical healthcare from primary care as described in recommendations 1.5.3.1
to 1.5.3.4. [2009]
Relapse and re-referral to secondary care

1.5.3.6 When a person with an established diagnosis of psychosis or schizophrenia
presents with a suspected relapse (for example, with increased psychotic
symptoms or a significant increase in the use of alcohol or other substances),

primary healthcare professionals should refer to the crisis section of the care
plan. Consider referral to the key clinician or care coordinator identified in the
crisis plan. [2009]
1.5.3.7 For a person with psychosis or schizophrenia being cared for in primary care,
consider referral to secondary care again if there is:
• poor response to treatment
• non-adherence to medication
• intolerable side effects from medication
• comorbid substance misuse
• risk to self or others. [2009]
1.5.3.8 When re-referring people with psychosis or schizophrenia to mental health

services, take account of service user and carer requests, especially for:
• review of the side effects of existing treatments
• psychological treatments or other interventions. [2009]
Transfer
1.5.3.9 When a person with psychosis or schizophrenia is planning to move to the
catchment area of a different NHS trust, a meeting should be arranged between
the services involved and the service user to agree a transition plan before
transfer. The person's current care plan should be sent to the new secondary
care and primary care providers. [2009]
1.5.4 Psychological interventions

1.5.4.1 Offer CBT to assist in promoting recovery in people with persisting positive and
negative symptoms and for people in remission. Deliver CBT as described in
recommendation 1.3.7.1. [2009]
1.5.4.2 Offer family intervention to families of people with psychosis or schizophrenia

who live with or are in close contact with the service user. Deliver family
intervention as described in recommendation 1.3.7.2. [2009]
1.5.4.3 Family intervention may be particularly useful for families of people with
psychosis or schizophrenia who have:
• recently relapsed or are at risk of relapse
• persisting symptoms. [2009]
1.5.4.4 Consider offering arts therapies to assist in promoting recovery, particularly in

people with negative symptoms. [2009]
1.5.5 Pharmacological interventions

1.5.5.1 The choice of drug should be influenced by the same criteria recommended for
starting treatment (see sections 1.3.5 and 1.3.6). [2009]
1.5.5.2 Do not use targeted, intermittent dosage maintenance strategies (use of

antipsychotic medication only during periods of incipient relapse or symptom
exacerbation) routinely. However, consider them for people with psychosis or
schizophrenia who are unwilling to accept a continuous maintenance regimen or
if there is another contraindication to maintenance therapy, such as side-effect
sensitivity. [2009]
1.5.5.3 Consider offering depot/long-acting injectable antipsychotic medication to

people with psychosis or schizophrenia:
• who would prefer such treatment after an acute episode
• where avoiding covert non-adherence (either intentional or unintentional) to

antipsychotic medication is a clinical priority within the treatment plan. [2009]
1.5.6 Using depot/long-acting injectable antipsychotic medication

1.5.6.1 When initiating depot/long-acting injectable antipsychotic medication:
• take into account the service user's preferences and attitudes towards the mode of
administration (regular intramuscular injections) and organisational procedures (for
example, home visits and location of clinics)
• take into account the same criteria recommended for the use of oral antipsychotic
medication (see sections 1.3.5 and 1.3.6), particularly in relation to the risks and
benefits of the drug regimen
• initially use a small test dose as set out in the BNF or SPC. [2009]
1.5.7 Interventions for people whose illness has not responded

adequately to treatment
1.5.7.1 For people with schizophrenia whose illness has not responded adequately to
pharmacological or psychological treatment:
• Review the diagnosis.
• Establish that there has been adherence to antipsychotic medication, prescribed at an

adequate dose and for the correct duration.
• Review engagement with and use of psychological treatments and ensure that these
have been offered according to this guideline. If family intervention has been
undertaken suggest CBT; if CBT has been undertaken suggest family intervention for
people in close contact with their families.
• Consider other causes of non-response, such as comorbid substance misuse (including

alcohol), the concurrent use of other prescribed medication or physical illness. [2009]
1.5.7.2 Offer clozapine to people with schizophrenia whose illness has not responded
adequately to treatment despite the sequential use of adequate doses of at least
2 different antipsychotic drugs. At least 1 of the drugs should be a non-clozapine
second-generation antipsychotic. [2009]
1.5.7.3 For people with schizophrenia whose illness has not responded adequately to
clozapine at an optimised dose, healthcare professionals should consider
recommendation 1.5.7.1 (including measuring therapeutic drug levels) before
adding a second antipsychotic to augment treatment with clozapine. An
adequate trial of such an augmentation may need to be up to 8 to 10 weeks.
Choose a drug that does not compound the common side effects of clozapine.
[2009]
1.5.8 Employment, education and occupational activities

1.5.8.1 Offer supported employment programmes to people with psychosis or
schizophrenia who wish to find or return to work. Consider other occupational
or educational activities, including pre-vocational training, for people who are
unable to work or unsuccessful in finding employment. [2014]
1.5.8.2 Mental health services should work in partnership with local stakeholders,
including those representing black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, to enable
people with mental health problems, including psychosis or schizophrenia, to
stay in work or education and to access new employment (including self-
employment), volunteering and educational opportunities. [2009; amended
2014]
1.5.8.3 Routinely record the daytime activities of people with psychosis or

schizophrenia in their care plans, including occupational outcomes. [2009]
2 Research recommendations
The Guideline Development Group has made the following recommendations for research, based
on its review of evidence, to improve NICE guidance and patient care in the future. The Guideline
Development Group's full set of research recommendations is detailed in the full guideline.
2.1 Peer support interventions

What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of peer support interventions in people with psychosis
and schizophrenia?
Why this is important

Service users have supported the development of peer support interventions, which have recently
proliferated in the UK, but current evidence for these interventions in people with psychotic
disorders is not strong and the studies are mainly of very low quality. Moreover the content of the
programmes has varied considerably, some using structured interventions, others providing more
informal support. There is therefore an urgent need for high-quality evidence in this area.
The programme of research would be in several stages. First, there should be development work to
establish what specifically service users want from peer support workers, as opposed to what they
want from professionals, and what the conditions are for optimal delivery of the intervention. This
development work should be co-produced by exploring the views of service users, experienced
peer support workers and developers of peer support interventions, and suitable outcome
measures should be identified reflecting the aims of peer support. Second, the intervention,
delivered as far as possible under the optimal conditions, should be tested in a high-quality trial.
Further research should test structured and manualised formats versus unstructured formats (in
which service user and peer decide together what to cover in the session). Benefits and adverse
effects experienced by peer support workers should also be measured.
2.2 People who choose not to take antipsychotic

medication
What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of psychological intervention alone, compared with
treatment as usual, in people with psychosis or schizophrenia who choose not to take antipsychotic
medication?

The development of alternative treatment strategies is important for the high proportion of people
with psychosis and schizophrenia who choose not to take antipsychotic medication, or discontinue
it because of adverse effects or lack of efficacy. There is evidence that psychological interventions
(CBT and family intervention) as an adjunct to antipsychotic medication are effective in the
treatment of psychosis and schizophrenia and are cost saving. However, there is little evidence for
family intervention or CBT alone, without antipsychotic medication.
The programme of research should compare the clinical and cost effectiveness of psychological
intervention alone (CBT and/or family intervention) with treatment as usual for people with
psychosis or schizophrenia who choose not to take antipsychotic medication, using an adequately
powered study with a randomised controlled design. Key outcomes should include symptoms,
relapse rates, quality of life, treatment acceptability, social functioning and the cost effectiveness of
the interventions.
2.3 The physical health benefits of discontinuing

antipsychotic medication
What are the short- and long-term benefits to physical health of guided medication discontinuation
and/or reduction in first episode psychosis and can this be achieved without major risks?

There is growing concern about the long-term health risks, increased mortality and cortical grey
matter loss linked to cumulative neuroleptic exposure in people with psychosis. The majority of
young adults discontinue their medication in an unplanned way because of these risks. A Dutch
moderately-sized open trial has reported successful discontinuation of medication in 20% of
people without serious relapse; at 7-year follow-up there was continuous benefit for guided
reduction in terms of side effects, functioning and employment, with no long-term risks. If
replicated, this would mark a significant breakthrough in reducing the long-term physical health
risks associated with antipsychotic treatment and improving outcomes.
The programme of research should use an adequately powered, multicentre, double-blind,

randomised controlled design to test the physical health benefits, risks and costs of discontinuing
or reducing antipsychotic medication among young adults with first episode psychosis who have
achieved remission. The primary outcomes should be quality of life and metabolic disorder,
including weight gain; secondary outcomes should include side effects, serious relapse,
acceptability and user preference.
2.4 Maintaining the benefits of early intervention in

psychosis services after discharge
How can the benefits of early intervention in psychosis services be maintained once service users
are discharged after 3 years?

Early intervention in psychosis services deliver evidence-based interventions in a positive, youth-
friendly setting, improve outcomes, are cost effective and have high service user acceptability and
engagement. Once people are transferred to primary care or community mental health services
these gains are diminished. The guideline recommends that trusts consider extending these
services. However, the extent to which gains would be maintained and who would benefit most is
not known. The successful element of early intervention in psychosis services might be
incorporated into mainstream services for psychosis, but how this would function, and its cost
effectiveness, needs to be determined.
The suggested programme of research should use an adequately powered, multi-centre

randomised trial comparing extending early intervention in psychosis services (for example, for 2
years) versus providing augmented (step-down) care in community mental health services versus
treatment as usual to determine whether the gains of early intervention can be maintained and
which service users would benefit most under each condition. The primary outcome should be
treatment/service engagement and secondary outcomes should include relapse, readmission,
functioning and user preference.
2.5 Interventions for PTSD symptoms in people with

psychosis and schizophrenia
What is the benefit of a CBT-based trauma reprocessing intervention on PTSD symptoms in people
with psychosis and schizophrenia?

PTSD symptoms have been documented in approximately one-third of people with psychosis and
schizophrenia. The absence of PTSD symptoms in this context predicts better mental health
outcomes, lower service use and improved life satisfaction. Two-thirds of the traumatic intrusions,
observed in first episode and established psychosis, relate to symptoms of psychosis and its
treatment (including detention). One study has demonstrated proof-of-principle in first episode
psychosis for trauma reprocessing, focusing on psychosis-related intrusions. Replication of the
study will fill a major gap in treatment for this population and may have other benefits on psychotic
symptoms and service use.
The suggested programme of research would use an adequately powered, multi-centre randomised
trial to test whether a CBT-based trauma reprocessing intervention can reduce PTSD symptoms
and related distress in people with psychosis and schizophrenia. The trial should be targeted at
those with high levels of PTSD symptoms, particularly traumatic intrusions, following first episode
psychosis. The follow-up should be up to 2 years and the intervention should include 'booster'
elements, extra sessions of CBT-based trauma reprocessing interventions, and a health economic
evaluation.
Finding more information and resources

You can see everything NICE says on psychosis and schizophrenia in adults in the NICE Pathway on
psychosis and schizophrenia.
To find out what NICE has said on topics related to this guideline, see our web page on mental
health and behavioural conditions.
For full details of the evidence and the guideline committee's discussions, see the evidence reviews.
You can also find information about how the guideline was developed, including details of the
committee.
NICE has produced tools and resources to help you put this guideline into practice. For general help
and advice on putting NICE guidelines into practice see resources to help you put guidance into
practice.
Update information
March 2014: A correction has been made to the wording of recommendation1.1.3.3 to clarify that
it is the hydrocarbons in cigarette smoke that cause interactions with other drugs, rather than
nicotine.
February 2014: We have reviewed the evidence and made new recommendations on maintaining
and improving physical health, peer support and self-management, preventing psychosis, service-
level interventions, employment, education and occupational activities, and supporting carers.
These recommendations are marked [2014]
[2014].
We have also made some changes without an evidence review:
• A link has been added to the NICE guideline on service user experience in adult mental health
services because that guideline replaces some of the 2009 recommendations on psychosis and
schizophrenia.
• Some recommendations have been aligned with the NICE guideline on psychosis and
schizophrenia in children and young people. This promotes early intervention in psychosis
services for young people aged 15 years and over.
• Substance misuse has been included as a coexisting condition that should be looked for.
• A recommendation has been amended to indicate that antipsychotics should not be started in
primary care unless under the supervision of a consultant psychiatrist.
• A recommendation has been amended to reflect recent terminology relating to ethnic groups
and to remove reference to specific agencies.
These recommendations are marked as [2009, amended 2014]

2014].
Recommendations marked [2009] last had an evidence review in 2009. In some cases, minor
changes have been made to the wording to bring the language and style up to date, without
changing the meaning.
Minor updates since publication
July 2020: We have linked to the NICE guideline on supporting adult carers in recommendations
1.1.5.1 and 1.1.5.2. We have incorporated footnote text into the recommendations to meet
accessibility requirements.
August 2019: Text has been added to recommendation 1.3.1.1 to indicate that the advice has not
changed after our review of the 2019 STEPWISE trial. The recommendation label has been
changed to [2019] to indicate that the evidence was last reviewed in 2019. Links have been
updated.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-0428-0
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Psychosis and schizophrenia

in adults: prevention and

© NICE 2021. All rights reserved. Subject to Notice of rights (https://www.nice.org.uk/terms-and-conditions#notice-of-

Commissioners and providers have a responsibility to promote an environmentally sustainable

Who is it for? ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Key priorities for implementation ............................................................................................................................... 7

Preventing psychosis ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7

First episode psychosis ................................................................................................................................................................. 7

Subsequent acute episodes of psychosis or schizophrenia and referral in crisis .................................................. 8

Promoting recovery and possible future care ..................................................................................................................... 8

1.1 Care across all phases ........................................................................................................................................................... 10

1.2 Preventing psychosis.............................................................................................................................................................. 14

1.3 First episode psychosis .......................................................................................................................................................... 16

1.5 Promoting recovery and possible future care .............................................................................................................. 27

2 Research recommendations ...................................................................................................................................... 33

2.1 Peer support interventions.................................................................................................................................................. 33

2.2 People who choose not to take antipsychotic medication ...................................................................................... 33

2.3 The physical health benefits of discontinuing antipsychotic medication .......................................................... 34

Finding more information and resources ................................................................................................................. 37

Update information ........................................................................................................................................................... 38

This guideline replaces CG82 and ESNM39.

This guideline is the basis of QS80 and QS167.

• People with psychosis or schizophrenia, their families and carers

Key priorities for implementation

First episode psychosis

－ metabolic (including weight gain and diabetes)

－ extrapyramidal (including akathisia, dyskinesia and dystonia)

－ cardiovascular (including prolonging the QT interval)

－ hormonal (including increasing plasma prolactin)

－ other (including unpleasant subjective experiences). [2009; amended 2014]

Subsequent acute episodes of psychosis or

Promoting recovery and possible future care

1.1 Care across all phases

• work in partnership with people with schizophrenia and their carers

• offer help, treatment and care in an atmosphere of hope and optimism

1.1.2 Race, culture and ethnicity

1.1.2.1 Healthcare professionals inexperienced in working with people with psychosis

1.1.2.2 Healthcare professionals working with people with psychosis or schizophrenia

• explaining the causes of psychosis or schizophrenia and treatment options

• addressing cultural and ethnic differences in treatment expectations and adherence

• conflict management and conflict resolution. [2009]

1.1.3 Physical health

even if previous attempts have been unsuccessful. Be aware of the potential

1.1.3.4 Consider one of the following to help people stop smoking:

• nicotine replacement therapy (usually a combination of transdermal patches with a

• bupropion for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or

• varenicline for people with psychosis or schizophrenia.

1.1.3.6 Routinely monitor weight, and cardiovascular and metabolic indicators of

1.1.4 Comprehensive services provision

1.1.5 Support for carers

• diagnosis and management of psychosis and schizophrenia

• positive outcomes and recovery

• types of support for carers

• role of teams and services

• getting help in a crisis.

When providing information, offer the carer support if necessary. [2014]

1.1.5.5 Review regularly how information is shared, especially if there are

1.1.5.6 Include carers in decision-making if the service user agrees. [2014]

• have a positive message about recovery. [2014]

1.1.6 Peer support and self-management