Early Detection and Management of Mental Disorders / World Psychiatric Association (PDF)

Research evidence concerning the precursors (a sign or symptom that
heralds another) and prodromes (an early or premonitory symptom of
a disease) of the various mental disorders is growing but is at
present widely dispersed and inaccessible. Clinicians have to rely
on their own experience, which is often limited, when faced with
several delicate diagnostic and treatment issues. This book aims to
approach for the first time in a comprehensive way this emerging
area of clinical psychiatry.

The World Health Organisation has found that mental disorders such
as depression and psychosis rank in the top 10 of leading causes of
disability in the world, creating a significant social, emotional
and economic burden for young people, their families and society.
Early detection of these potentially disabling disorders and
treatment at the time of initial onset can greatly improve
long-term outcomes and effect dramatic cost-savings.

The related Birchwood title has sold nearly 2300 copies and is
popular at psychiatry conferences.

From an R&D perspective, industry have a stake in this area.
Obviously, if biomarkers or other prodromal evidence can be
determined in various disorders, then drugs will start to be
dispensed earlier. The topic has increased in popularity as a
subject for satellite symposia e.g Jeffrey Lieberman chaired the
Bristol Myers Squibb symposia at the American Psychiatric
Association. This dealt with early intervention in schizophrenia
and the need for novel approaches in the prodromal phase. In
addition, more symposia (and research) look at disorders "across
the lifespan." This phrase indicates an approach to research,
diagnosis and treatment from a more quality-of-life vantage and
early diagnosis is part of this movement.