Psychosis Risk and Prevention of Persistent and Severe Mental Illness Implications for Social Work Practice

Abstract

The prognosis of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders may be improved through efforts to identify at-risk individuals and to provide early interventions prior to the first episode of psychosis. Psychosis-risk syndrome is gaining recognition as a distinct clinical condition, and may be included as a diagnosis in the upcoming version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). As direct mental health practitioners, social workers are in an ideal position to both address the diverse psychosocial needs and improve the accessibility of services for this difficult-to-define population. As macro-level practitioners, social workers can provide a valuable perspective on ethical issues while advocating to reduce the stigma surrounding the provision of intensive mental health services to individuals struggling with psychosis-risk syndrome.