Psychiatrymiddle twist
A 22-year-old university student had her first episode of psychosis nine months ago and has been in full remission on aripiprazole for the past seven months. She has returned to her course, uses no substances, and has had no adverse effects. She asks how long she must keep taking the tablets, saying she feels completely well and would rather stop now. There is no family history of psychotic illness, and her treating team has not yet settled on a definitive diagnosis. Which one of the following is the most appropriate advice about the duration of antipsychotic treatment?