It is possible to continue to work and maintain social relationships, but it really will take a very comprehensive treatment plan and very supportive social supports and family and friends in order to remain that functional. Some have just a few episodes, and others seem to have one long continuous downhill course. Even the individual with just a few episodes may have a downhill course between episodes. In which their negative symptoms continue to be apparent. I might add that I do not in any way agree with this, but I just would like to hear what others have to say about it.
Schizophrenia is absolutely a chemical, and possibly a structural, brain disease.
It is a terrible and painful disease if the individual is not treated. If I was a physician that was to recommend counseling for this diagnosis I would probably be accused of malpractice if I was not to include other treatments such as medication. My brother was recently diagnosed. Now that his medication taking effect, he is convinced that he is really not sick because he feels so much better. He may be in that lucky percentage that does well.