The study of quality of life (QOL) of schizophrenia patients has gained prominence in the last two decades, especially after the introduction of the second generation antipsychotic drugs. As a result of improved prognosis QOL is now considered as a significant outcome measure of schizophrenia treatment, yet the determinants of QOL for schizophrenia patients are not well known. Earlier treatment of positive symptoms was given more importance and less attention was given to treating long term impairment and chronic illness. Now the goal of treatment is to give the patient good quality of life. This is of paramount importance in disorders like schizophrenia where a complete cure is achieved in less number of patients while in the majority there are relapses or long term impairment due to illness.

Keywords: Quality of life; Psychiatric disorders; Treatment.