Can children with schizophrenia live normal lives?

Children with schizophrenia have the best chance for recovery when they are diagnosed early, treated with medications, and actively involved in social support groups. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, children who respond well to medication, stay in school, and start treatment early have a better prognosis. Along with medication, children with schizophrenia should stay actively involved in therapy and social skills training groups. Individual therapy can help a child understand the illness and cope with schizophrenia symptoms. Group therapy with other children who have schizophrenia promotes relationships and social skills. For children with schizophrenia, medication can be helpful, but a combination of medication and therapy is best. In a school setting, children will do best if they are in a small classroom where they can receive individual attention from teachers who understand the disease.