if untreated, paranoid schizophrenia leads to brain degeneration and eventual dementia.

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.

Recurrent episodes of psychosis are toxic to the brain and overtime resulting in treatment refractoriness meaning medications no longer are effective