Early intervention in first episode psychosis: hope for a better future.

In the last two decades the clinical and research focus in psychotic disorders has shifted to first episode psychosis, early detection of the prodromal phase of psychosis and an effective integrated treatment model known as "Early Intervention". The first five years of psychosis that is described as a "critical period" is the most important time for recognition and treatment. Services for Early Intervention should be easily accessible, non-threatening and non-stigmatising.

Community mental health services--the New Zealand experience.

This overview focuses on a provision of current mental health services in New Zealand and might help professionals from other countries to become familiar with its community based model of care. New Zealand mental health services have undergone significant changes over the last 40 years. These include the closure of old psychiatric hospitals and the development of community based treatment facilities.