Illness course & outcomes

Schizophrenia can exhibit diverse trajectories and outcomes among individuals.

This classification encompasses various outcomes in chronic, early-onset, late-onset schizophrenia, as well as first-episode psychosis. The initial stage of the illness, commonly overlooked, is known as the prodromal phase. This phase occurs before the occurrence of the first psychotic episode and involves a decline in cognitive and social functioning. It typically starts during early adolescence and precedes the onset of psychotic symptoms by more than ten years.

However, individuals with the illness are usually not referred for consultation until the manifestation of psychosis in late adolescence or early adulthood. Childhood-onset schizophrenia has an onset prior to the age of 13 years, and early-onset schizophrenia has an onset between the ages of 13 and 17 years.

These outcomes encompass aspects that impact daily life, such as quality of life, relationships, cultural factors, employment, homelessness, violence, self-harm, substance use, as well as recovery and relapse.