The stigma of schizophrenia has been well documented, but the idea that it is a severe, intractable and often deteriorating lifelong illness has not been shown in long-term studies. Media coverage of psychosis and schizophrenia has not helped, often labelling patients as dangerous, yet research has shown that while psychiatrically unrelated homicides have increased, homicides by people sent for psychiatric treatment have not. 

Schizophrenia patients have an increased risk of suicide and violent death compared with the general population, so are more harmful to themselves than to others. The €Time to Change€ campaign addresses these issues. See: time-to-change.org.uk.

Side effects of medication, such as hypersalivation, involuntary movements, sedation and severe weight gain, as well as the less than careful use of diagnostic labels, can also contribute to singling out people with schizophrenia as €different€. 

To promote recovery, it is important to review medication continually for any side effects as this may lead to a poor response to treatment and non-adherence. Medication should be optimised (using the lowest effective dose) or the use of another antipsychotic could be discussed. Note that while some people never experience complete recovery, they manage to sustain an acceptable quality of life if given support and help.