I. Why do schizophrenia patients need maintenance treatment? Schizophrenia is a chronic disease of unknown etiology, prolonged course, and prone to recurrence and gradual aggravation, and only about 1/10 patients have one episode of remission and then never have another episode for life. In patients with a first episode of schizophrenia, with conventional clinical treatment, about 50% of schizophrenia patients relapse within the first year of remission, and the relapse rate is about 90% within 5 years. Those with recurrent or worsening episodes may have personality changes and decreased social functioning, which present clinically as varying degrees of disability. The application of antipsychotic drugs to prevent relapse can reduce the relapse rate to about 16% after one year, and most patients can resume normal work and life. Second, how long do patients with schizophrenia maintain treatment? My clinical experience: After complete remission of psychiatric symptoms, the original dose is maintained for about 6-12 months before gradual reduction is considered under the guidance of a physician, and the maintenance dose varies from person to person. 1. After 2-3 years of consolidation treatment for the first time, if there is no recurrence of the disease, if there is a trigger for the onset of the disease, if the symptoms are completely relieved and if the family members are willing to risk relapse, they can carefully try to discontinue the medication. If the symptoms recur during drug reduction or discontinuation, the original dosage should be restored immediately to avoid aggravation of the disease. 2. If the patient has a second or more relapses, it is recommended to take medication for long-term maintenance treatment.