What Happens If Schizophrenia Goes Untreated?

Schizophrenia is a chronic illness listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by the American Psychiatric Association. It affects a person’s perception, reality, and ability to function.

• Hallucination (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
• Delusions (false beliefs)
• Disorganized speech
• Poor attention and memory
• Reduced emotional expression (called alogia)
• Trouble with cognition and decision-making

These symptoms are often grouped under psychosis, which is when someone loses touch with reality.

Schizophrenia affects the brain in many ways. Without treatment, these changes may become worse.

Untreated schizophrenia can harm:

People may struggle with:

• Work or school
• Self-care
• Relationships

This can increase feelings of pleasure loss and sadness.

Without support, many individuals face real-life challenges.

Untreated schizophrenia raises the risk of:

Without insurance or support, it becomes harder to access treatment, medicine, or a health professional.

Untreated schizophrenia increases the chance of self-harm or suicide.

This emotional overload can lead to crisis situations.

• Trouble with sleep
• Poor diet and lack of exercise
• Increased risk of illness

Untreated schizophrenia can increase the risk of:

• Dementia
• Chronic health problems
• Reduced life expectancy

While not everyone becomes aggressive, untreated schizophrenia can affect behavior.

• Increased anger
• Trouble managing emotions
• Impulsive actions

In rare cases, severe symptoms can lead to:

• Aggression
• Unsafe behavior

Schizophrenia can change how a person sees themselves.

Some medications may have a side effect, so care from a psychiatry provider is important.

Recovery is easier with support.

• Daily tasks
• Medication reminders
• Emotional support

A mental health professional or health professional provides:

With proper care, many people can:

The sooner someone gets help, the better the outcome.