Management
People with schizophrenia are given medication to help to control any delusions and hallucinations. Medication may also help with other symptoms, such as withdrawal. However, medication does not have the same effect on all patients.
When someone is first diagnosed as suffering from schizophrenia, they are usually treated in hospital but many people can then have treatment at home, particularly if they have a supportive family.
People with schizophrenia often require clear structure in their lives and may need to be encouraged to take their medication. Some people with schizophrenia may also benefit from counselling as it provides valuable support for any set backs in every day life.
About a quarter of people make a complete recovery after a single episode of schizophrenia. About a half suffer further relapses and the rest remain symptomatic. People with schizophrenia are more likely to commit suicide than the rest of the population.
The outlook for sufferers has improved greatly in the last few decades. Many people can be treated outside hospitals and live within the community for most of their lives.
