Abstract: Objective To explore the factors related with relapse of patients with schizophrenia, and to assess the effect of management on this population. Methods 368 patients who were first episode and hospitalization in 2007 were recruited, and investigated with the Live Events Scale (LES), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). They were divided into control group (only antipsychotic treatment, n=184) and management group (severe mental illness management, n=184) and accepted the management for 5 years. Results The single factor regression showed that age, marriage and family history were not related with schizophrenia relapse (P>0.05). Gender, duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and negative life events were risk factors of relapse (P<0.05); Education, medication adherence and social support were protective factors of relapse (P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that medication adherence, social support and negative life events were the main factors related with relapse (P<0.05). The rate of relapse was lower in the management group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Medication adherence, social support and negative life events are the main factors related with relapse. Management on the schizophrenia is one of the most important ways to reduce schizophrenia relapse.

Key words: schizophrenia, relapse, severe mental illness management, psychosocial intervention