If someone has mild paranoid schizophrenia and is able to function Ok is it possible that they will not deteriorate if not on medication?

Answer 1

Mild paranoid schizophrenia doesn't really make much sense, since the diagnosis of schizophrenia requires that so many symptoms out of a certain set of symptoms are present for a significant period, for most of the time during that period, and that these symptoms make functioning in one or more life domains difficult, if not impossible. A paranoid schizophrenia diagnosis requires either a preoccupation with delusions or auditory hallucinations. Even on the "mild" end of the schizophrenia spectrum, these symptoms are debilitating. However, it is possible that the schizophrenic will maintain that level of functioning without medications. Of course, that level of functioning is still rather low, and medications should definitely be considered. Atypical antipsychotics (the newer ones) don't have anywhere near as many side effects as the old antipsychotics and have shown to be highly effective in treating schizophrenia. In my own experience, a schizophrenic whose symptoms appear to be mild that does not seek help from a psychiatrist will eventually decompensate, and in many of these cases, they will decompensate to the point of requiring hospitalization.

Answer 2

It is certainly possible for someone with a mild mental disorder to get along just fine without medication. The key point is whether they are getting along. If their disorder is keeping them from doing things they enjoy, or keeping them from living a normal life, they should take medication. Schizophrenics, especially, are not known for logical thinking. It is harder for them to really know what "OK" is, and they may feel that they are coping when actually they are behaving a lot worse than "a bit odd."