Outcome of schizophrenia

Earlier treatment usually results in a better outcome. Treatment delays may worsen the condition, cause a patient to be less responsive to treatment, and increase the time it take to go into remission. The lesser the degree of remission, the greater chance of early relapse. Although schizophrenia has received much negative media attention, it often has a favourable outcome. There have recently been major advances in the treatment of the disorder with the development of the new generation antipsychotics. This gives even more hope for a successful outcome in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Reviewed by Dr Tasneem Mahomed, MBBCh (Wits), FC Psych (SA), Mmed Psych (Wits),
Psychiatrist in private practice, Cape Town. March 2015.