3 - Course, Treatment, and Outcome of Severe Mental Illnesses

Abstract

An individual’s experience of mental illness can be several weeks to many decades in duration. The course of the illness is often characterized by a significant risk of relapse and may include persistent symptoms. Psychiatric treatments, both pharmacological and psychosocial in nature, are intended to positively impact the course of mental illness by controlling, eliminating, and reducing symptoms, as well as reducing the length, frequency, and severity of relapses. This chapter will address the course, treatment, and outcome of severe mental illnesses.