The First Episode of Psychosis: A Guide for Young People and Their Families

The fully updated and revised edition of The First Episode of Psychosis is aimed at young people and their families experiencing the frightening and confusing initial episode of psychosis, which often occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood. Filled with practical, easy-to-understand information on navigating evaluation, treatment, and recovery, this book is an essential resource for use during what can be a stressful and isolating experience.

Beth Broussard, MPH, CHES, is an Associate Academic Research Scientist at Emory University School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She also serves as a Program Manager for the ARROW (Achieving Recovery through Resilience, Optimism, and Wellness) early intervention program for psychosis at Grady Health System in Atlanta, Georgia. As a health educator, Ms. Broussard has developed a series of visually-based psychoeducational booklets, tested anti-stigma messaging, developed curriculums for law enforcement education, and led clinic-based health education and psychoeducation services for participants and their families. She has also helped to develop and lead specialized early intervention services for adolescents and young adults experiencing a first episode of psychosis both in New York City and in Atlanta.

Michael T. Compton, MD, MPH, is Professor of Psychiatry at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons. He is also Research Psychiatrist at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. Dr. Compton has maintained continuous NIMH research funding for more than 15 years, conducting research on first-episode psychosis, the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model of collaboration between law enforcement and mental health, a linkage system between police officers and the local mental health system, and the effectiveness of a new form of recovery-oriented community navigation for persons with serious mental illnesses and repeated hospitalizations.