The intricacy of the ordinary.

Schizophrenia constitutes a lifelong vulnerability in relation to life stresses and the maintenance of social networks. Satisfactory quality of life--understood as subjective well-being in a lifetime perspective--is the ultimate treatment objective. This paper draws on research and clinical experience from Lofoten--the catchment area of a psychiatric out-patient clinic in Northern Norway. This work stresses the quality of life for the social network around the psychiatric patient as a consideration in its own right. The patient's coping resources and social network are regarded as a continuous professional concern.