They may become reclusive. Their performance at school or work may deteriorate, along with their personal appearance. Once having taken hold, schizophrenia comes and goes in cycles of remission or relapse. During remission, persons with schizophrenia may seem relatively unaffected, and can continue to function fairly normally. The symptoms often appear gradually and diagnosis of schizophrenia can only be made by a doctor with specialized training and experience.
Today there are medications which keep the symptoms under control in most patients.
It is important to ensure that treatment is obtained early and that medications are monitored by a specialist and maintained by the patient. Family members can watch for warning signs, ensure treatment is maintained, provide a structured and predictable environment. Denial of the illness or blaming others should be avoided. Support and loving care with understanding will help to prevent relapse.