Early intervention means detection and treatment of a psychotic mental illness during the critical early phases. Delays in treatment and support can cause distress, increase the risk of relapse and can be harmful for the individual and their friends/family/carers. Early treatment has been shown to improve the long-term course of psychosis.

If left untreated, the impact of an individual’s life including their relationships, studies and employment may be greatly disrupted. In particular this can apply at the critical stages of a young person’s life, adolescence and young adulthood when they are making plans for their carer and future. Being able to treat psychosis early greatly increases the person’s odds of being able to enjoy a healthy and productive future.