There is growing recognition that schizophrenia is not a single disorder with a universally predictable outcome, and that it probably comprises a group of disorders which have different causes and outcomes. People may experience only one or a few episodes with a return to normal functioning between episodes, or it may be a life long condition. There have been dramatic advances in the treatment of schizophrenia in the past decades, and most people with this illness are able to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Recent evidence suggests that the early detection and treatment of schizophrenic illnesses lead to considerably improved outcomes.
Schizophrenia can affect anyone regardless of gender, race, culture or intelligence.
About 1 in every 100 people will develop schizophrenia at some stage during their lives. Commonly, people experience their first schizophrenia episode in adolescence or as a young adult. About one third of people with schizophrenia have only one or two episodes during their lives. Substance abuse may severely exacerbate a schizophrenic illness, and some experts believe that substance abuse may precipitate schizophrenia. The difficulties of living with schizophrenia are often compounded by the stigmatising attitudes of many in the community.