Summary

Schizophrenia is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder, and the duration of untreated psychosis is associated with worsening outcomes. The prodrome of schizophrenia is the period of altered functioning or subtle symptoms that occur before the onset of frank psychosis [Yung AR et al. Schizophrenia Bulletin 1996]. This is a pivotal time from a diagnostic standpoint, as disease recognition during the prodromal phase may allow clinicians to proactively treat the illness and alter disease progression. This article discusses the psychosis prodrome as it applies to clinical practice.