Final answer:
It is true that patients with schizophrenia often discontinue their medication due to feeling symptoms have improved or due to the side effects of antipsychotic medications. These medications are crucial for managing symptoms and discontinuing them can lead to recurrence or worsening of the disorder.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that schizophrenic patients often are not compliant with taking medication once symptoms improve is true. This phenomenon can be due to several factors. Patients sometimes feel they do not require medication after experiencing symptom relief, which might lead them to prematurely discontinue treatment. Additionally, the side effects of antipsychotic medications, which include diminished initiative, interest in the environment, and displays of emotion, as well as potential Parkinson's disease-like symptoms, may also deter patients from adhering to their treatment regimen consistently. It is essential to understand that antipsychotic medications are not a cure for schizophrenia but are vital in managing symptoms, and discontinuing them heightens the risk of symptom recurrence and can potentially lead to a worsening of the disorder.