It includes identifying the right medication for the individual, as well as appropriate community support and regular medical follow-up. The available medications are only partially effective as they do not completely eliminate the symptoms and, in many cases, have debilitating side effects including stiff muscles, restlessness, dry mouth and blurred vision. As the disease disorders their thinking, many people with Schizophrenia, who are seriously ill, do not recognize their illness and will not consent to receiving treatment. Schizophrenia drastically affects individuals' quality of life. Many people with schizophrenia are in prison and it is estimated that about one-third of the homeless have the disease or another of seven mental disorders.
Schizophrenia causes great strain on family members.
Families often break up as a result of the stress and frustration of coping with a family member with schizophrenia research. Persons with schizophrenia and their families suffer because of too little care, too little research and too little understanding.