Outlook (Prognosis)
There are many different potential outcomes of schizophrenia
. Most people with schizophrenia find that their symptoms improve with medication, and some achieve substantial control of the symptoms over time. However, others experience functional disability and are at risk for repeated acute
episodes, particularly during the early stages of the illness.
Supported housing, vocational rehabilitation, and other community support programs may be essential to their community tenure. People with the most severe forms of this disorder may remain too disabled to live independently, requiring group homes or other long-term, structured living environments.
Possible Complications
- Noncompliance with medication
will frequently lead to a relapse of symptoms.
- Physical illness
occurs at high rates among people with schizophrenia due to psychiatric treatment itself (side effects from medication) and living conditions associated with chronic
disability. These may go undetected because of poor access to medical care and because of difficulties communicating with health care providers
.
- Persons with schizophrenia have a
high risk of developing a coexisting substance abuse problem, and use of alcohol or other drugs increases the risk of relapse
.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider
if:
- Voices are telling you to hurt yourself
- You are unable to care for yourself
- You are feeling
hopeless and overwhelmed
- You feel like you cannot leave the house
- You are seeing things that aren't really there
Prevention
The best way to prevent relapses is to continue to take the prescribed medication
. Because side effects are one of the most important reasons why people with schizophrenia stop taking their medication
, it is very important to find the medication that controls symptoms without causing side effects. Always talk to your doctor about any adjustments in your medications, or your wish to discontinue them
References
Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Practice
. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:115-124.
Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice
. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:1541-1548.
Review Date: 5/8/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas,
D.O.
, Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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