Paranoid Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a psychological disorder which is characterized by disorganized thought processes. Among its common manifestations include auditory hallucinations, illusions and paranoid or bizarre delusions. It causes impaired and disruptive social functioning. This psychological condition is also accompanied with disorganized speech and thinking. Diagnosing schizophrenia is done by a thorough observation and evaluation of the signs and symptoms presented, as well as previous experiences reported by the person. Factors that are commonly associated with schizophrenia include family history, environment, childhood experiences, psychological and social processes. Prescription drugs have also been found to cause and even worsen the symptoms of schizophrenia.

In most parts of the world, paranoid schizophrenia is considered to be the most common type of schizophrenia. Its characteristics include relatively stable, often paranoid, delusions. These delusions are usually accompanied by auditory hallucinations, and perceptual disturbances. In paranoid schizophrenia, disturbances in affect or mood, volition, and speech, and catatonic symptoms are not evident. The most common characteristics of this condition are persecutory delusions, reference, exalted birth, special mission, bodily change, or jealousy. Patients diagnosed with this condition often experience auditory hallucinations in which they claim to hear voices that give commands and threaten them. Auditory hallucinations without verbal form, such as whistling, humming, or laughing have also been reported in some patients.

Paranoid schizophrenia may occur with partial or complete remissions. Some cases of paranoid schizophrenia are also chronic. In chronic cases, the signs and symptoms experienced tend to last for years in which discrete episodes are difficult to detect and identify. Studies show that this mental disorder is usually diagnosed in younger men who are 17 to 35 years of age compared to women who often do not manifest symptoms until they reach the age of 20 to 30 years of age. Imbalances in the amount of neurotransmitters or certain brain chemicals are identified to be the main cause of paranoid schizophrenia. Other studies also suggest the strong link between this mental condition with complications during birth and problems in the early stages of life.

The primary paranoid schizophrenia treatment is antipsychotic or neuroleptic drugs. It has been widely proven to be effective in relieving symptoms associated with paranoid schizophrenia. Clozapine, Thorazine, Haldol, and Risperdal are examples of antipsychotic medications. Since schizophrenia may also be accompanied with anxiety disorders, anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed. Counseling and other therapies are needed by the patient in order to manage this mental condition. In severe cases of paranoid schizophrenia, hospitalization in a locked facility or restraining the patient may be required especially if the patient poses threat to himself and to others.

It is important to understand that there is no known exact cure and treatment for paranoid schizophrenia. It is a lifelong mental disorder. The disorder may worsen over time especially if no treatment and management are done to relieve the symptoms. Having strong support system such as family members, close relatives and friends also play important roles in the progress of the client’s condition. Psychological and emotional support significantly affects the success of the treatment.