In reviewing studies for inclusion in this review, we realised that additional focusing of our review question was needed. The initial intent of this review was to assess the evidence supporting the clinical practice guideline to treat early episodes of schizophrenia psychosis in the acute phase with antipsychotic medications. We have therefore excluded (and left for a subsequent edition of this review) studies addressing the question about medication maintenance in the post‐acute phase. For example, the Schooler 1989a study treated all first‐episode patients in the acute phase with antipsychotic medications and, after stabilisation, randomised to two medication dosages and placebo that was followed up for two years. This, and similar studies, can address the effectiveness of maintenance medications in the post‐acute phase of early episodes, but not the effectiveness of antipsychotics in the acute episode, since in that phase there was no un‐medicated group. In addition, we have preliminarily excluded RCTS that compare two or more antipsychotic medications in the acute treatment of individuals with early episode schizophrenia. Subsequent editions of this review might include the medication to medication comparisons to address questions of differential medication effectiveness. Pseudo‐random studies have not yet been included in this version of the review, but might be incorporated in a subsequent version of the review, along with a sensitivity analysis to assess the influence of their inclusion. We have also updated the protocol method's section with the Cochrane schizophrenia group's current guidelines.