BACKGROUND: Incomplete remission and treatment resistance are common even in first-episode psychosis patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the available interventions and treatment pathways for the management of incomplete remission and treatment resistance in first-episode psychosis. METHODS: The review undertook a computerized and manual literature search for relevant articles published within recent years. RESULTS: Standard therapy has to be optimized in order to prevent treatment non-response. The early detection strategies of incomplete remission and treatment resistance include re-evaluation of the diagnosis and optimization of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions including the treatment of co-morbid disorders. If partial or non-response is confirmed, pharmacological and psychosocial treatment adaptations should be applied stepwise as presented in the current review. Interventions have to be offered in a timely manner because early adaptation of treatment is associated with a greater probability of remission.
