ObjectiveTo explore the effect of community based rehabilitation on chronic schizophrenia. Methods60 patients of chronic schizophrenia were randomly divided into the community based rehabilitation group (the study group) and the inpatients group (the control group). The study used prospective design for 1 year with brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS),nurses' observation scale for inpatients evaluation (NOSIE) and social disability screening schedule (SDSS).ResultsCompared with the control group at the end of 6 month and 1 year, scores of BPRS, NOSIE and SDSS in the study group were significantly different (P<0.05-P<0.001). The relapse rate of the study group (0%) also lowered than that of the control group( 20%).ConclusionsCommunity based rehabilitation therapy can control the chronic schizophrenia effectively. It also promotes the life quality and social function of patients, and lowers the relapse rate significantly. It is an important rehabilitation method for chronic schizophrenia.