Early Interventions for Psychotic Disorders with Diana Perkins, MD

Early Interventions to Prevent and Improve Psychotic Disorders

Monday, October 14, 2013

This workshop will present current understanding of the risks of the developing psychotic disorders as well as the effects of early intervention in altering the course of these disorders. Evidence suggests that early signs of psychosis can be detected during the formative years and that timely intervention can improve the prognosis. Drawing from her research and clinical work, Dr. Perkins will describe strategies to identify emerging symptoms and tailor treatments depending on the severity of symptoms, and whether individuals are in the acute, early recovery, or late recovery period of a first episode. She will discuss psychopharmalogical approaches and strategies to aid with negative side effects, as well as psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational  family interventions to help individuals and families in their developmental trajectories.

Bio: Diana Perkins, MD, Professor of Psychiatry at UNC-CH School of Medicine, has long been committed to enhancing the lives of people affected by psychotic disorders, through more than 25 years in direct practice, research, mentorship, and presentations.  She is currently medical director at UNC Outreach and Support Intervention Services (OASIS), an innovative program she launched in 2005 for the treatment of individuals who are either at-risk of psychosis or recovering from a first psychotic episode.  Previously, Dr. Perkins served as director of the UNC Schizophrenia Treatment and Evaluation Program (STEP).  She has published extensively on schizophrenia, with a current emphasis on its genetic basis and early signs and intervention, including bio-psychosocial approaches. She has won awards both for her path-breaking research and as “best doctor.” 

click here for: SLIDES | CLS Handouts on Psychosis Intervention

Three-part video: