By itself, the concept of recovery from schizophrenia remains an object of controversy because not produced a universally accepted definition of the term, although in recent years have been proposed rational criteria for remission, easily applicable in research and in clinical practice, which may be a consensus, and there are standardized methods of evaluation of which is a common scale PANSS. Correction of symptoms and improved functioning seem more realistic goals, rather than a full recovery. Revolutionary changes in therapy in the 1950s were associated with the introduction of chlorpromazine. At the moment is gaining recognition recovery model emphasizes hope for improvement, empowerment and social integration. 
Hospitalization may be required in severe episodes of schizophrenia. It may be voluntary or, if permitted by local legislation in the field of mental health, involuntary (forwarding in a civil manner). In Russia, involuntary hospitalization is regulated by the mental health care. In some other countries was conducted deinstitutionalization that has made a rarity for a long stay in hospital, although it is still possible. Following placement in a hospital or in his stead, it takes support, including centers open visit, visits the district mental health teams or teams assertive treatment at home, supported employment of, and support groups led by the patients themselves. In individuals with schizophrenia found increased dopaminergic activity in the mesolimbic pathway and reduced in Mesocortical, so the main treatment of schizophrenia is the use of antipsychotic drugs (neuroleptics). Antipsychotic drugs acting on "productive" psychotic symptoms and prevent its further development. The impact of such drugs is primarily to suppress dopamine activity, despite their significant side effects. The currently used dosage of antipsychotics are generally lower as compared with the first decade of their use. It is believed that atypical antipsychotics are also on negative symptoms. "Classic" atypical antipsychotics are capable to cause deficit symptoms. 
In many countries outside of the Western world the final word in therapy may have the local community, and treatment can take place less formally. In fact, in these countries, the results of therapy may be better than in the West. The reasons for this are not clear statistics in order to clarify them are currently under investigation. 
There is uncertainty as to how efficiently the appointment of neuroleptics at the first signs of schizophrenia. On the one hand, their use in the very early stages of the disease increases the effectiveness of treatment; on the other hand, it is associated with an increased risk of side effects. The currently available research data do not allow a clear answer to this question, although practice guidelines in many countries unequivocally recommend neuroleptic medication for 6-24 months at the first attacks of the disease. 
In the treatment of schizophrenia used drug chlorpromazine (chlorpromazine), which has improved the treatment of schizophrenia in the 1950s. 
Used in the treatment of schizophrenia Risperidone, common representative of the atypical antipsychotics. Atypical antipsychotics - is Risperidone, quetiapine, olanzapine, clozapine, ziprasidone, aripiprazole. Despite the higher cost drugs atypical antipsychotics do receive preference in the choice of initial treatment over the older typical antipsychotic drugs. They are often better tolerated and their use is rarely accompanied by tardive dyskinesia, although they are more likely to cause weight gain and the diseases associated with obesity. Also in people receiving atypical antipsychotics, sometimes there are cases of hyperprolactinemia, galactorrhea and pituitary tumors. It is unclear whether the reduced transition to newer medications chances of developing neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare but severe and potentially fatal neurological disorder most often occurs as a negative response to antipsychotics. All antipsychotics block dopamine receptors D2-type, but vary in the degree of blocking other important neurotransmitter receptors. Typical antipsychotics generally inhibit only receptors D2, and new atypical antipsychotics act simultaneously on a number of neurotransmitter receptors: dopamine, serotonin, histamine and other. 

It is believed that both classes of antipsychotics generally show the same efficacy in inhibiting the positive symptoms. Some researchers have suggested that atypical agents are additional benefits in the impact of the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, but the clinical significance of these effects is not yet established. In recent years the works refuted the assertion reduced frequency of extrapyramidal side effects when using atypical antipsychotics, especially when their older counterparts are selected in small doses or used nizkopotentnye typical antipsychotics. However, it should be treated with caution to antipsychotics that block dopamine function as excessive blocking of this neurotransmitter responsible for good mood, can cause bouts of depression, which in turn may increase the dependence of the behavior of patients who sometimes try to compensate for the lack of dopamine drugs and alcohol (because amphetamines stimulate the release of dopamine). 
Symptoms of schizophrenia in different amenable pharmacotherapy. The phrase "resistant schizophrenia" is used to describe cases in which no satisfactory reaction observed for at least two different antipsychotic. Patients in this category may be prescribed clozapine, means, wherein increased efficiency, but carrying the risk of potentially fatal side effects, including agranulocytosis and myocarditis. Clozapine may have the added benefit, presumably reducing the propensity to alcoholism and drug abuse in patients with schizophrenia. For patients who do not wish or are unable to take pills regularly, developed long-acting forms of drugs, injections are sufficient to carry out every two weeks. In the United States and Australia, the law allows for such injections forcing those who refuse to accept short-term forms of drugs, but at the same time being in a stable condition, and do not hinder the normal life of others. There is evidence that in the long term, some patients is better off without receiving antipsychotics. Despite the encouraging results of early pilot studies, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids do not lead to an improvement in symptoms, according to a recent analysis.