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June 19, 2013
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Illness Patterns in Schizophrenia


Topic Overview

Schizophrenia typically follows a predictable pattern, which usually develops within the first 5 years of illness. Before that, psychotic episodes may be difficult to predict. The pattern of illness often stays the same throughout your lifetime, although it can change.

  • Some people have only one or two psychotic episodes in their lifetime, while others have psychotic episodes throughout their lives.
  • Many people have short relapses; a few have severe symptoms all the time.
  • Some people have relapses only during stressful times in their lives.
  • Some have more psychotic episodes as they grow older; some have fewer.

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerMiklos Ferenc Losonczy, MD, PhD - Psychiatry
Last RevisedAugust 19, 2010

eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise

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