The significance of the prodrome for prevention and early intervention

The period prior to a clear-cut diagnosis of a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia, has traditionally been referred to as the ‘premorbid phase’. However, this term has led to some confusion because it actually covers two phases, not one: the true premorbid phase and the prodromal phase or prodrome. The distinction between these two phases is illustrated in Figure 2.1.