The Development of Consensus Guidelines for the Treatment of Young People with First Episode Psychosis

Abstract

Objective: The aim is to describe the process adopted in Northern Sydney, Sydney, Australia for developing consensus guidelines for the treatment of young people with first episode psychosis. Method: The process included academic detailing with psychiatrists working in Northern Sydney adolescent and adult mental health services, two clinician forums, and a survey. While the guidelines were based on the Australian Clinical Guidelines for Early Psychosis and published studies, the expertise of clinicians in Northern Sydney was also sought. Results: The consensus guidelines have been endorsed for use in Northern Sydney. The guidelines cover the issues of assessment and treatment of psychosis in young people, investigations, use of parenteral medication, diagnosis, and information for clients. Conclusions: The authors make several observations about the process of guideline development. Academic detailing proved to be a more effective way than questionnaires for obtaining information from clinicians. The process of developing the guidelines seemed to be, in some ways, more important than the final product.