Why this happens, though, no one is sure. Researchers have also been intrigued by theories linking nutritional and immunological deficiencies to development of schizophrenia. It has been reported that schizophrenic patients have immune system abnormalities, but researchers don't agree on what these changes are. A viral cause for the disease has also been suggested. Among babies born during the 1957 flu epidemic in Finland, a greater number developed schizophrenia than would normally be expected in the general population.
Schizophrenia is a devastating disease, but some individuals do get better.
About half become at least moderately independent.