Abstract
Objective: To outline reasons contributing to the delayed introduction of early intervention strategies for first-episode psychosis, followed by a discussion of recent factors that have supported the increased use of these strategies.
Conclusions: The reasons for this delay include pessimistic beliefs carried over from early in the 20th century about the prognosis of schizophrenia, the central role of the institution in psychiatric history, and the need for a working neurobiological model for psychosis. The discovery of the antipsychotic drugs, the process of deinstitutionalization, and new conceptualizations of schizophrenia have been necessary precursors to current best practice treatments. In recent years these factors have been complemented by the increasing influence of consumer and family advocacy groups, and government policy initiatives.