A new report says that 120,000 people in Ireland will be diagnosed with a psychotic episode at some point in their lives.
The report on the benefit of an early intervention service in the eastern region of south Dublin has found that it can prevent admission to hospital and results in better recovery.
Delays for treatment for schizophrenia have been reduced from 19 months in 2006 to nine months in 2011.
The DETECT (Dublin and East Treatment and Early Care Team) found that almost 40% of those diagnosed with psychosis also have substance misuse problems, usually alcohol or cannabis, or a combination of both.
One year after treatment, 60% of patients who had experienced psychotic symptoms were working and participating fully in society.
The project was funded by the Hospitaller Order of St John of God and the HSE.
It has mainly targeted people with schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder.
