What is the average time it takes for a schizophrenic to relapse, if they stop their medication? Thanks

That is a very important question. In short, it can vary from days to weeks to months. I would say the average would be weeks and usually presents as sleep disturbance. The most important thing is to keep in mind is that there will be a relapse (another episode occurrence) without medication and talking therapy. Usually relapse rates are 90% over 1 year, and around 10% if you take your medication.

Because we can never be fully confident that people who say they are taking their medication actually are, if may be that the 10% relapse rate occurs in patients actually not taking their medication. Schizophrenia is more likely to relapse than Bipolar disorder, particularly if it is early in the course of the illness in this patient. The reason is that in the early stages of the illness, it may take up to 5 years to relapse. I have always questioned this statistic however, as my experience is that if a person stops their medication, then there is usually a relapse within weeks to months.

These facts compel us to not only focus on a person when they are ill, and also to focus on preventing a relapse once they are well. It is the goal of treatment in fact. It's important to keep to take your medication as prescribed and to keep up with your visits to your doctor. if you cannot tolerate your medication, or you feel it is ineffective, let your doctor know.

Thanks for a great question, and I hope this helps.