Chronic Phase of Schizophrenia
For most people with schizophrenia, the illness eventually enters a chronic phase, characterized by periodic relapses and remissions. Although some people may gradually recover from a psychotic episode and function with minimal impairment, most will eventually relapse.
Among people with chronic schizophrenia, some remain relatively stable, while others progressively worsen. In addition, although the positive symptoms of schizophrenia tend to become less severe over time, the socially debilitating negative symptoms may actually worsen.
Overall, the long-term outlook for many people with schizophrenia is grim. Although about one-third of those affected retain some degree of social life, most experience continued symptoms, periodic hospitalization, and find it difficult to maintain a stable living environment, which often results in poverty. About half of all people with schizophrenia attempt suicide at least once in their lifetime, with 10% to 15% dying from suicide over a 20-year-period.
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