Psychosis and schizophrenia in children and young people: recognition and management

Treating another episode of psychosis or schizophrenia

If you have another episode of psychosis or schizophrenia, your healthcare team should offer you antipsychotic medication and therapy (CBT with family intervention) as described in the treating a first episode of psychosis section.

They may also offer arts therapies (dance, drama, music or art),particularly if you are withdrawn and have lost interest in things you used to enjoy. Arts therapy should usually take place with other children and young people who have psychosis or schizophrenia.

Other types of therapy, such as counselling and supportive psychotherapy, are not thought to be as helpful as CBT, family intervention and arts therapies for children and young people with psychosis or schizophrenia. However, if you would like one of these treatments, your personal choice should be taken into account, especially if CBT, family intervention and arts therapies are not available in your area.

You should be encouraged to take medication for 1–2 years after an episode of psychosis because there is a high risk that if you stop taking it your symptoms will get worse. When you no longer need medication, it should be stopped gradually. Your healthcare professional should see you regularly during this time and for at least 2 years after you have stopped medication.