Research evidence concerning the precursors (a sign or symptom thatheralds another) and prodromes (an early or premonitory symptom ofa disease) of the various mental disorders is growing but is atpresent widely dispersed and inaccessible. Clinicians have to relyon their own experience, which is often limited, when faced withseveral delicate diagnostic and treatment issues. This book aims toapproach for the first time in a comprehensive way this emergingarea of clinical psychiatry.
The World Health Organisation has found that mental disorders suchas depression and psychosis rank in the top 10 of leading causes ofdisability in the world, creating a significant social, emotionaland economic burden for young people, their families and society.Early detection of these potentially disabling disorders andtreatment at the time of initial onset can greatly improvelong-term outcomes and effect dramatic cost-savings.
The related Birchwood title has sold nearly 2300 copies and ispopular at psychiatry conferences.
From an R&D perspective, industry have a stake in this area.Obviously, if biomarkers or other prodromal evidence can bedetermined in various disorders, then drugs will start to bedispensed earlier. The topic has increased in popularity as asubject for satellite symposia e.g Jeffrey Lieberman chaired theBristol Myers Squibb symposia at the American PsychiatricAssociation. This dealt with early intervention in schizophreniaand the need for novel approaches in the prodromal phase. Inaddition, more symposia (and research) look at disorders "acrossthe lifespan." This phrase indicates an approach to research,diagnosis and treatment from a more quality-of-life vantage andearly diagnosis is part of this movement.