[Factors associated with risk of relapse and outcome of persons with schizophrenia]

Schizophrenia is characterized by heterogeneous clinical outcome. Most often, this disease has a major negative impact on the social outcome. When a symptomatic remission is obtained, the antipsychotic should be maintained at medium or long-term to prevent the occurrence of a new episode. Medication adherence is often of poor quality. It may be improved by simplifying the drug treatment and by reducing its side-effects. The implementation of educational programs for the patient and his/her family should be encouraged. Comorbity of substance use, in particular of cannabis use, is frequent and is a strong risk factor for relapse. Request for disability benefit should be rapidly considered in order to reduce the social consequences of the disease due to lack of resources.