First, the evidence shows that although
approximately 25% of people with schizophrenia
have a poor long-term outcome, few of these show the
incremental loss of function that is characteristic of neurodegenerative illnesses. Second, MRI studies demonstrate
subtle developmental abnormalities at first onset of psychosis and then further decreases in brain tissue volumes; however, these latter decreases are explicable by the effects of antipsychotic medication, substance abuse, and other secondary factors. Third, while patients do show cognitive deficits compared with controls, cognitive functioning does not appear to deteriorate over time.
The majority of people with schizophrenia have the potential to achieve long-term remission and functional recovery. The fact that some experience deterioration in functioning over time may reflect poor access, or adherence, to treatment, the effects of concurrent conditions, and social and financial impoverishment. Mental health professionals need to join with patients and their families in understanding that schizophrenia is not a malignant disease that inevitably deteriorates over time but rather one from which most people can achieve a substantial degree of recovery.“
From ”Schizophrenia Is Not An Illness” article:
“The “diagnosis” of schizophrenia is nothing more than a label describing the very behaviors it purports to explain. And a destructive label at that, in that it stifles and suppresses genuine exploration into the true cause(s) of the problem, and genuine remediation of the original skill deficits.
People express mildly delusional ideas all the time. Listen to any talk radio show. Listen to politicians railing against their opponents. Listen to religious zealots. Listen to racial stereotypes. Listen to people who insist that the Earth is only 6000 years old. Listen to golfers after they’ve played a bad stroke. Listen to people who get passed over for promotion, etc., etc., etc.. The processes that promote this kind of mildly delusional speech can lead to severe delusions if the conditions are ripe.”