Polish version of Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental States (CAARMS)--the description of the method]

The first psychotic episode is usually preceded by the decline in functioning as well as the occurrence of symptoms, which due to low intensity or short Juration do not fulfil the criteria allowing for the recognition of delusions or hallucinations. Early intervention at this stage may prevent the development of psychosis or its onset. It is thus necessary to implement clearly established criteria, which will allow for the identification of patients with a high risk for developing psychosis. One of the diagnostic tools used to identify this stage is the Comprehensive Assessment of at Risk Mental States (CAARMS) developed by Alison Young et al. in the PACE Clinic in Melbourne. This is a method which seems to be a useful tool in everyday medical practice.