Background: Whilst there is a growing body of evidence relating to the effectiveness of early detection and early intervention services there have been relatively few studies which have provided information on whether they are cost-effective.
Aim: The aim of this paper is to review the cost-effectiveness evidence for early detection and early intervention in psychosis.
Methods: Full economic evaluations, cost studies, and studies which do not report costs but do provide important resource use information were included in the review.
Results: All cost effectiveness analysis to date suggest that it is possible to offer help early in the development of psychosis in a cost effective manner.
Conclusions: The potential longer term economic benefits of early detection and early intervention are required.