Schizophrenia is a severe and disabling psychiatric illness that profoundly affects a person’s ability to think clearly, perceive reality, manage emotions, and engage in daily activities. While antipsychotic medications have long been the cornerstone of treatment, debates persist around their long-term use and potential impact on brain structure and function. In our review, we examine whether antipsychotic medications improve or worsen long-term outcomes in schizophrenia, particularly when treatment is refused or discontinued. Drawing from randomized controlled trials, large-scale observational studies, forensic outcome data, international guidelines, and neuroimaging research, the findings demonstrate that sustained antipsychotic treatment significantly reduces relapse, improves functional outcomes, and may protect against neurobiological deterioration. In contrast, untreated or inconsistently treated psychosis is associated with higher relapse rates, treatment resistance, cognitive decline, and progressive brain changes. While treatment must be personalized and compassionate, the cumulative evidence supports the critical role of early and continuous antipsychotic use in preserving health, autonomy, and long-term recovery for individuals living with schizophrenia

Critical thinking impacts many outcomes in our everyday lives, from making trivial decisions about whether or not to forward a news story on Facebook to making important decisions about which cancer treatment to undergo. This chapter defines critical thinking and gives readers a list of critical thinking skills and dispositions to aspire to. Outcomes in numerous domains of life such as science, health, education, politics, and social media, and how those outcomes might be impacted by critical thinking, are discussed. The chapter also touches on contemporary issues, such as echo chambers, which might limit thinking and the deep comprehension of important issues.