ABSTRACT
In the United States 50,000 new cases of schizophrenia are diagnosed each year and between two and four million people have the disease (Lieberman 1993). Most of those newly diagnosed are young, usually in their late teens to mid-twenties. Some deteriorate over a long period of time, while others will suddenly, overnight, enter psychosis (Sheitman et al. 1997). Whichever the case, the diagnosis and hospitalization of patients experiencing a first episode of schizophrenia is a crucial period in treatment. The clinician who has a comprehensive understanding of the phases of the illness and the difficulties affecting patients and families during each phase will be better prepared to help patients with phase-specific interventions.
