Many schizophrenic patients defy doctors' outlooks

By Staff Writer

Despite a reputation for being over-medicated, hospitalized and even suicidal, most schizophrenic patients live quite well, a new study shows.

Researchers at the University of Montreal studied 142 patients who were admitted to psychiatric hospitals in 1983 for first-episode schizophrenia incidents. By evaluating their development through 1999, the authors found that many of the subjects had learned to cope with their condition.

The study found that after 16 years, 15 percent of the patients still alive were well enough to function without seeking medical help and 25 percent were not taking antipsychotic medication, according to results published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.

In addition, 20 percent had jobs, nearly 25 percent lived autonomously and 33 percent lived with their family. As a reminder of the impact of the disorder, however, the study also found that 10 subjects had committed suicide.

Most studies look only at patients who visit counselors regularly, but many schizophrenics get only occasional treatment and do not need to be medicated their entire life.

The authors concluded that patients who receive an early diagnosis of schizophrenia can benefit from therapy and actually lessen the effects of the disease. Treatments such as therapeutic residential schools can help patients to study, work and defeat the stereotypes of their condition.