13.8.3  Management of recurrent psychoses

The objective of treating people with recurrent psychoses is to control the acute symptoms when they occur. For example, an agitated patient suffering a manic (or depressive) episode may require emergency treatment to stabilise their condition and keep them safe. When the episode resolves, regular antipsychotic medication should prevent a recurrence with little need for further intervention, other than monitoring the patient’s state.

Patients can also be encouraged to take an active role in their own care by helping them recognise and identify early warning symptoms like sleep disturbance, excessive or elevated moods, abnormal levels of energy, etc. When a patient notices such symptoms, advise them to return to the treatment centre and request a review and/or an adjustment in their medication.