Schizophrenia remains one of the most severe mental disorders often emerging during the vulnerable developmental phase of adolescence (Correll et al. 2010). Efforts at preventing psychosis, and evidence-based early treatment are crucial. Research-defined at-risk syndromes based on mainly adult data are frequently met by adolescents, and (attenuated) psychotic symptoms may also emerge, stabilize, or progress to several mental and personality disorders (Gerstenberg et al. 2015). Thus, in this age-group, the diagnostic process as well as targeted treatment of (attenuated) psychotic symptoms is challenging. Age-appropriate treatment approaches drawing from youth specific interests, addressing complex symptomatology, associated burden and reduced functioning are needed. Finally, adolescents with psychosis are treated with antipsychotics, however, this age groups seems especially vulnerable for adverse effects (Vitiello et al. 2009). Medications with the most favourable benefit/harm ratio are needed, and head-to-head studies are sparse.
Prof. Correll and Dr. Franscini will co-chair the session. First, Dr. Gerstenberg will present longitudinal data of a sample of 12- 35 year-old participants of an early recognition study for psychosis. She will focus on outcome characteristics of symptomatology and functioning, also pointing to age-related differences. Dr. Franscini and Ms. Traber-Walker developed a manual and a smartphone application for targeted treatment of adolescents at-risk for psychosis. The app provides age-appropriate and real-time access to information on symptomatology and individually enriched skills for stressful daily-life situations. Ms. Traber-Walker will present the project schedule and first data on feasibility and usability. Next, Dr. Galling will present data of a meta-analysis providing an overview of the existing integrated or intensified treatment approaches for youth with psychosis and compare their effectiveness. These data are relevant for public health and directly guide clinical work. Finally, Drs. Pagsberg and Jensen will present original data of the Tolerability and Efficacy of Antipsychotics trial (TEA). In this multicentre, blinded RCT, patients aged 12-17 years with psychosis were treated with aripiprazole or quetiapine up to 12 weeks. Dr. Pagsberg will present first efficacy data and Dr. Jensen will focus on adverse outcomes, explicitly metabolic effects in this vulnerable group of patients.