The Early Stages of Schizophrenia

In sharp contrast to the prevailing belief during the past century that schizophrenia inevitably results in a progressive deteriorating clinical course, research since the early 1980s shows that early intervention can significantly improve the long-term outcome of this complex illness. With very early treatment, many affected individuals can achieve an excellent recovery.

This research has set off an explosion of interest in -- and optimism about -- early intervention in what was once t…