Mitigating Psychosis

Young males are more likely to experience first-episode psychosis, compared to women in the same age group. Prevalence of schizophrenia is 2.5/1000 and which seems to be the only disorder whose prevalence is consistent across cultures and over time. Genetic factors play an important role in the causation of schizophrenia; the risk of illness is approximately 10% for a first-degree relative and 3% for a second-degree relative. According to the American Psychiatric Association, second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics with the exception of clozapine are the agents of choice for first-line treatment of schizophrenia. Clozapine is not recommended because of its risk of agranulocytosis. A combination of antipsychotic showed an improvement in symptoms, but the side effects need to be monitored. Keywords: Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Dopamine, Extrapyramidal symptoms, Cognitive impairment.