Abstract
Despite classical conceptions of schizophrenia as a progressive illness with a high chronification, current long-term follow-up studies show a higher proportion of remission, possibly also a higher proportion of recovery than previously assumed. The heterogeneity of clinical courses is also reflected in different trajectories of cognitive and biological (e.g., imaging) variables, in which many of those affected show remission. Early clinical intervention during the first weeks and months following the onset of psychosis are decisive not only for early remission but also possibly for the long-term outcome. The treatment and reduction of somatic comorbidities are promising approaches in addition to a differentiated core treatment to positively influence the course of the illness even years after the disease. The identification of additional predictors, e.g., based on biological parameters, can together with machine learning approaches contribute to optimization of an individualized core treatment.