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Schizophrenia is a chronic condition and, as such, requires life-long management. It is usually responsive to medications that reduce psychotic symptoms as well as the rate of recurrence of psychotic episodes. Most people with schizophrenia continue medications and psychosocial counseling for the rest of their lives. Although treatment can relieve the symptoms of schizophrenia, most people experience residual symptoms throughout their lives. Despite this, many patients are able to lead productive and rewarding lives. Researchers are investigating addition effective medications which will, hopefully, result in ways to prevent and treat schizophrenia.

It is important for the patient with schizophrenia to continue taking medication even when they are feeling better since relapses of psychotic episodes occur most often with the cessation of medication. Compliance with the instructions from the physician or mental health provider is of the greatest importance.

Over the last thirty years, the prognosis for people with schizophrenia has improved with greater understanding of the condition and treatment options.

Prognosis of schizophrenia falls into 3 categories: mild, moderate, and severe. The overall outcome of schizophrenia is poorer than for other psychiatric disorders. However, research has also shown that a moderate to large group of patients with schizophrenia achieve periods of recovery (remission) characterized by adequate psychosocial functioning and an absence of major symptoms that may last for several years or more. In addition, research shows that some of these patients are able to discontinue maintenance medications. Long term studies show that between 21-57% of patients experience good outcomes from schizophrenia.

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the long term prognosis of schizophrenia ranges from reasonable recovery to total incapacity. Approximately 10-15% of patients do not experience additional psychotic episodes after the first one while 10-15% remains severely psychotic. The majority of patients experience remission and episodes over time.

A more positive long term prognosis for schizophrenia is associated with the following factors:

• Female gender
• Lack of a family history of schizophrenia
• Good social and academic functioning before disease onset
• Married
• Higher IQ
• Later age of onset
• Acute onset associated with stress
• Few previous psychotic episodes
• Pattern of episodes and remissions
• Advancing age
• Absence of symptoms of disorganized thinking
• Generally healthy before disease onset