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What Does Recovery Look Like With Schizophrenia?

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition. If you or a loved one receive a schizophrenia diagnosis, it can be very scary. For many people, schizophrenia can be a life-long condition, and there is no cure. But recovery is a possibility with schizophrenia.1,2

What is schizophrenia recovery?

One of the challenges trying to understand schizophrenia recovery is that "recovery" means different things to different people. For researchers, this term means going a long time with no symptoms. For doctors, "recovery" means being able to function successfully. This typically means living independently with no relapses for at least 2 years.3,4

For people with schizophrenia, recovery might mean a return to the way they felt before developing the condition. This might look different for different people. Even if their doctor considers them in recovery, a person might not feel that way. For individual people, recovery can be subjective.3,4

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What are potential signs of recovery?

Aspects of schizophrenia recovery might include:3,4

  • Having a positive outlook on the future
  • Connecting with friends, family, and the community
  • Feeling a positive sense of self and confidence in your abilities
  • Gaining the ability to find meaning in life, such as setting goals you want to achieve
  • Feeling empowered to make choices that impact your life

Is schizophrenia recovery possible?

Research is clear that some people can reach schizophrenia recovery. But it is not clear how many people might achieve recovery. Existing research shows different results. This may be because there are different measures for recovery.2-4

Research has shown that the chance of schizophrenia recovery is somewhere between 20 and 70 percent. This means a person’s chance of recovery is likely about half. However, there are certain factors that affect someone’s chance of recovery.3,4

Factors that may impact schizophrenia recovery

Schizophrenia is complicated. Some people have 1 episode and then completely recover. Others may need hands-on care and hospitalizations. It can be hard to predict who will achieve schizophrenia recovery.2

Factors that can increase a person’s chance of recovery include:1,2

  • Following treatment plans consistently
  • Not using substances like drugs and alcohol
  • Financial resources
  • Strong social support system

Signs of recovery

Signs of recovery can vary. With care and support, someone may show signs of improving. Signs of recovery might include:3,4

  • Fewer hospital visits related to schizophrenia symptoms
  • Improvements in taking prescribed medicines as directed
  • Success with finding or keeping a job, or starting job training or school
  • Engaging more with recreational activities
  • Taking better care of yourself, such as having good personal hygiene and doing housework
  • Better social relationships with family and friends
  • Better overall quality of life
  • Improved ability to deal with stressful events

While schizophrenia is a complex condition, there is potential for recovery. If you or a loved one are managing schizophrenia, talk with your doctor about treatment goals. With proper treatment and support, you can manage schizophrenia and the impact it has on your life.1,2

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Schizophrenia.Mental-Health-Community.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.