Prognosis and duration of disabling effects
A good recovery from an acute episode of schizophrenia may occur with treatment. The person may not have had any long term disabling effects. A similar situation may occur for those who have infrequent relapses, perhaps once every few years, which respond well to treatment. A limited award would be appropriate in such cases.
Development of paranoid schizophrenia in a middle-aged person may not necessarily be associated with any long-term requirement for care or supervision. It is a circumscribed condition that can usually be controlled by medication.
The following features are likely to indicate long-term disability:
- Insidious onset at a young age with social withdrawal, loss of motivation, thought disorder and suspicious paranoid state.
- Long term prescription of medication, in particular depot preparations.
- Presence of extra-pyramidal side effects.
- History of relapses.
- History of multiple hospital admissions.
- In sheltered or supervised accommodation.
- On going care from a mental health team and enhanced Care Plan Approach (CPA) status.
- Previous sections of the Mental Health Act.
Some people with Schizophrenia will show no or minimal improvement in their care and mobility needs while others will make a significant recovery. Recovery, if it is going to occur, will take place within 5 years of the onset of the illness.
Date of Onset - Less than 5 years – 5 year award
Date of Onset – More than 5 years – Indefinite award
All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.
More information about this condition:
Amended April 2008
