A 28-year-old man presents with a 3-month history of auditory hallucinations, persecutory delusions, social withdrawal, and functional decline. There ...

Question

A 28-year-old man presents with a 3-month history of auditory hallucinations, persecutory delusions, social withdrawal, and functional decline. There is no substance use. According to Canadian schizophrenia treatment guidelines, what is the most appropriate initial management strategy?

Accepted Answer

Begin an antipsychotic medication and refer to an early psychosis intervention programme

Answer

Delay treatment for 6 months to confirm persistence of symptoms

Answer

Prescribe benzodiazepines only

Answer

Recommend psychoanalysis alone

Answer

Start high-dose depot antipsychotic immediately without assessment

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): First-episode psychosis management

A 28-year-old man presents with a 3-month history of auditory hallucinations, persecutory delusions, social withdrawal, and functional decline. There is no substance use. According to Canadian schizophrenia treatment guidelines, what is the most appropriate initial management strategy?