Because schizophrenia is a chronic illness that influences virtually all aspects of an affected person's life, management of the condition has three key goals:

1. To reduce or eliminate symptoms
2. To maximise quality of life and adaptive functioning
3. To promote and maintain recovery from the debilitating effects of the illness to the greatest possible extent.

Antipsychotics are the main pharmacological treatment for psychosis and schizophrenia, although mood stabilisers, antidepressants and benzodiazepines may also be considered, depending on individual circumstances.

Antipsychotics are broadly divided into two categories: first generation (typical) antipsychotics (FGA) and second generation antipsychotics (SGA) or atypical antipsychotics. As a general principle, FGA are more likely to result in extrapyramidal side effects (EPSE), whilst SGA are more likely to result in metabolic side effects.

Some argue that with the launch of aripiprazole, a partial dopamine antagonist, there is a third generation of antipsychotics. People with schizophrenia have poorer physical health than others, and have an average life expectancy 10-20 years below the average population.

It is unclear if this is due to lifestyle choices, adverse effects of medication, the condition itself, or a combination of factors. NICE recommends that people with schizophrenia should be offered an annual physical health check to help monitor any adverse effects of medication.