[Remission and recovery: new hopes--realistic aims in the therapy for schizophrenia]

The present review critically appraises the various different definitions of and the ongoing discussions about the terms remission and recovery, which represent important aspects for describing the disease course, therapy planning and the setting of therapeutic targets for the patient, relatives and the professional care-giver. A symptomatic remission is well defined and is reached by about 30-60% of the first-time patients. However, this is not to be equated with functional, social and subjective remission. The term recovery has various definitions and has as yet only been studied in a relatively unempirical manner but represents an important supplement to the often strictly formulated therapeutic targets that need to be complemented by subjective and objective as well as personal and clinical perspectives. To inspire and maintain hope is thus an essential factor that extends beyond the therapeutic target of an often rather resigning symptomatic therapy. Even so, the provision of hope remains a balancing act. Too little hope can induce pessimism which in turn may have considerable negative therapeutic and personal consequences. On the other hand an uncritical attitude to hope may lead to unrealistic expectations--inevitably to be followed by frustration and resignation again.