An appropriate early intervention (EI) after the onset of a first episode of psychosis (FEP) is a key factor to prevent relapse, cognitive and functional impairment related to neurotoxicity as it is a critical period in order to get good adherence to treatment. This is the most reported factor linked to relapse. Therefore, interventions focused on getting good adherence to treatment may make the difference in terms of outcome.

To compare relapse rates, symptom severity and level of functionality before and after treatment with Paliperidone Palmitate Long-Acting Injectable (PP-LAI). To analyze prior antipsychotic treatments and side effects registered before and after the introduction of (PP-LAI).

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. We analyzed a sample of 15 patients, recruited from PAFIP (an specialized EI unit) and treated with variable doses of PP-LAI. They all met diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia according to DSM-IV. Clinical and functional data of the two years before and after treatment intoroduction were recorded.

Twenty-seven percent of the patients resumed their work activity or studies and 33% of the patients increased their social activity. Thirteen percent of the patients improved from negative symptoms. Prior to treatment introduction, more than a half of the simple, had suffered one or two relapses. After treatment introduction, 87% did not experience more relapses while 13% experienced another relapse.

Treatment with PP-LAI is associated to a recovery of functional abilities, and a trend to clinical stability with high adherence to treatment related to few side effects.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.