prodromal phase; prodrome
Medical and psychiatric term for the early stage of a disease or disorder, before the full symptoms appear. Used in clinical contexts.
In the prodromal phase of schizophrenia, nonspecific symptoms often appear.
It is important to provide appropriate intervention during the prodromal stage.
Compound of 前駆 (zenku, 'precursor' or 'forerunner') and 期 (ki, 'period' or 'phase'). The term is used in modern medical and psychiatric contexts.