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First-episode psychosis — UKMLA MCQ

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MediumMental Health & PsychiatryFirst-episode psychosisUKMLA

A 19-year-old with first-episode psychosis is started on an antipsychotic. According to NICE guidelines, which investigation is essential before initiating treatment?

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Correct answer: C — QT interval monitoring (ECG)

NICE advises baseline physical health checks, including an ECG, before starting antipsychotic medication to detect potential QT prolongation or other cardiac issues. Weight, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipids should also be checked, but an ECG is key in antipsychotic prescribing.

Reference: NICE Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults guideline (CG178)