Schizophrenia, a chronic disease

About 10-15 per cent of schizophrenic patients are 5-15 years after onset still hospitalized, and more than 50 per cent will show some psychopathology and therefore be unable to work. The possibility of a permanent recovery from the schizophrenic illness is probably greater today than it was half a century ago when 50-60 per cent were chronically hospitalized. The diagnostic criteria, at least in the USA, are today, however, broader than they were half a century ago in Europe and therefore comparisons are difficult to make. Schizophrenia in some patients a chronic disease, and the risk of being permanently incapacitated is some way (unable to work) is still 50 per cent or more.