Implementing Early Intervention in Psychosis: A Guide to Establishing Early Psychosis Services

Rating:
Summary: Review from *Early Psychosis News* (July 2002)
Review: --
Inasmuch as editorial reviews have not been cited in the Amazon.com presentation of this title, it is appropriate for the reader to be informed by a brief review originally published in the newsletter of the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre in Melbourne, Australia.

McGorry's scientific publications have been of good use in the primary care management of acute and chronic psychotic disorders, and I like his appreciation of the need for family physicians to keep up a strong sensitivity regarding the early detection and treatment of such thought disorders *before* these patients and their families suffer the stigmatization and other psychosocial consequences of mental illness.
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Both style and content makes this joint effort by Jane Edwards & Pat McGorry everything it's title promises.

It is not often that you encounter an academic text which is a `page turner', but this is one. The blend of distilled theoretical information with guidelines, directing `real world' implementation, makes this an extremely useful text for those in the position of developing early psychosis services.

The first four chapters orientate the reader to the fundamentals of early psychosis intervention. In understanding the theory, one is driven to act, but then how to act? Edwards & McGorry assist us with defining the focus, components of service delivery, documentation and evaluation, with lots and lots of examples.

There is also a chapter on models of good practice. By finding out what is going on in the world of Early Psychosis, it is relatively easy to work out where to position your own service, according to the needs and capacity of an individual area.

The style is engaging, from the cover design to the thick, glossy paper (making it a hard wearing text you can return to time and time again), the dot points and text boxes, and the lively and engaging style of writing which speaks with immediacy to the reader. It's a bit like having the information delivered directly and explained very clearly.

While comprehensive, this compact text (small and light enough to be read at the beach or in the bath!) does not set itself up as the last word. It provides a rich reference list, as well as electronic means for contacting services and specialist centres around the world.

Given that Edwards and McGorry offer us such a helpful guide to developing Early Psychosis Services, one which seems geared to making it possible for any interested mental health service to `have a go', it is surprising to find towards the end of the text, a very strong argument against the development of generalist models of service. Not withstanding this somewhat political section, this is an appealing and highly valuable text for those embarking on the exciting journey of Early Psychosis Service development.

This little orange book makes developing a service less like wandering in the wilderness, and more like navigating a complex yet clearly mapped out terrain.

Margaret Foulds
Co-ordinator
Alfred Early Psychosis Service
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