International Early Psychosis Association


The International Early Psychosis Association is a professional body and international network for those with a professional interest in early psychosis intervention.

History

The need for a professional network was proposed at a conference in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in June 1997, and then the association was formed in 1998.

Aims

The objectives of the IEPA, as listed on their website. They include enhancing the awareness of early psychosis and the process of recovery, providing a collaborative network for stakeholders, and contributing to the development of knowledge, research, and best practice for early psychosis.

Executive group and membership

The IEPA is governed by a group of officers, elected by members every two years. Membership of the association is free, and may be applied for online via a web-based application form. There are over 3,000 members as of 2008.

Tasks

Following the inaugural conference in Melbourne in 1996, international academic conferences have been held every two years in New York, Copenhagen, Vancouver, Birmingham, Melbourne, Amsterdam, San Francisco, Tokyo, Milan and Boston. The association has awarded the Richard Wyatt Award to key contributors to the field of early psychosis since 2004. Professor Patrick McGorry, Professor Max Birchwood, and Dr Thomas McGlashan are the recipients for 2004, 2006 and 2008 respectively.

Peer-reviewed journal

The association has endorsed the Early Intervention in Psychiatry peer-reviewed journal. The inaugural issue was in February 2007. Professor Patrick McGorry is the Editor-in-Chief.