Learning about schizophrenia can help improve the quality of your life by teaching you and your family about:

• The causes of schizophrenia and triggers of a relapse.
• How to handle symptoms and recognize the first signs of relapse.
• The various treatment options and relapse prevention.
• The different medications, including side effects, and ways to eliminate or reduce side effects.

In addition, family members need to learn:

• What to reasonably expect from the person with schizophrenia and how to handle disruptive or other inappropriate behavior.
• How to handle their own fears and concerns and help all family members reduce stress and cope with the illness.
• How to handle emergency situations, such as severe symptoms of relapse, and homicidal or suicidal thoughts and/or behavior.
• How to make reasonable plans for the family.
• How to take care of themselves.