Schizophrenia typically follows a predictable pattern, which usually develops within the first 5 years of illness. Before that, psychotic episodes may be difficult to predict. The pattern of illness often stays the same throughout your lifetime, although it can change.

• Some people have only 1 or 2 psychotic episodes in their lifetime, while others have psychotic episodes throughout their lives.
• Many people have short relapses; a few have severe symptoms all the time.
• Some people have relapses only during stressful times in their lives.
• Some have more psychotic episodes as they grow older; some have fewer.