“What will happen if paranoid schizophrenia isn't treated?”
I'm 24, and I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia recently, but I don't want to take the medication I was given. What happens if paranoid schizophrenia isn't treated?
4 Answers
Earlier in the illness, recovery from functional impairment without medications is rare. Untreated schizophrenia leads to worsening of cognitive function, in addition to continued hallucinations and delusions. Overall, untreated people with schizophrenia have a more consistently poor prognosis compared to non-schizophrenic peers.
They can get worse. Research shows that the earlier we catch and treat schizophrenia, the better the prognosis and outcome, especially if caught on its prodromal stage.