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What is Paranoid Schizophrenia?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Paranoid schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by delusions and auditory hallucinations. It is a chronic disease and the possibility of a cure is controversial. Male paranoid schizophrenics commonly begin showing symptoms in the late teens or twenties, while female patients usually begin showing symptoms in the twenties or early thirties. Many people who suffer from paranoid schizophrenia make at least a partial recovery, but most, if not all, people diagnosed deal with the illness to some degree for their lifetime.

Paranoid schizophrenia is one subtype of schizophrenia, the others being catatonic, disorganized, and undifferentiated. Paranoid schizophrenia is so named because the patient suffers from paranoia, or the irrational feeling that she is being persecuted or is otherwise in danger. The symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia are collectively known as psychosis. The illness is diagnosed through the observation of symptoms.

Early symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia may include anxiety and social withdrawal.
Early symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia may include anxiety and social withdrawal.

Delusions are basically beliefs about the world that are held by virtually no one else in the patient's culture. As explained above, these often take the form of feelings of persecution. For example, a paranoid schizophrenic may believe that he is under constant surveillance by the government and that they can read his thoughts. Delusions may also take the form of grandiose beliefs, in which the patient believes herself to have superhuman abilities or a famous identity. Another typical symptom, auditory hallucinations, is the perception of sounds no one else hears, often voices.

Schizophrenia typically begins during childhood and gets progressively worse.
Schizophrenia typically begins during childhood and gets progressively worse.

Early symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia are less severe and may include anxiety and social withdrawal. Some patients develop psychotic symptoms with no warning, in what is known as acute onset as opposed to gradual onset. Other symptoms associated with the disorder include disorganized thinking, irrational behavior, inappropriate emotional expression, impaired ability to communicate with others, and either physical immobility or excessive mobility with no purpose.

Individuals suffering from paranoid schizophrenia may believe that they are being hunted in some way.
Individuals suffering from paranoid schizophrenia may believe that they are being hunted in some way.

Paranoid schizophrenia is treated with antipsychotic medication, psychotherapy for the patient and family, and vocational and social skills training. Hospitalization can be helpful, either short-term or long-term as necessary. It is essential for family and friends to be involved in the coping process whenever possible, as the disease itself makes it difficult for the patient to follow a course of treatment without assistance. Organizations such as National Schizophrenia Foundation and the National Alliance on Mental Illness hold support groups for paranoid schizophrenics and their family and friends.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon137844

try talking to his family -- maybe his mum or someone. If that doesn't help, try finding out a much info as you can, then explain to him your fears.

anon123073

Please i need some advice. This guy i am dating told me he has paranoid schizophrenia and he won't take medicine for it. What should I do? I don't want to make the wrong decision. I do like him. it's just that i am scared.

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    • Early symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia may include anxiety and social withdrawal.
      By: Kablonk Micro
      Early symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia may include anxiety and social withdrawal.
    • Schizophrenia typically begins during childhood and gets progressively worse.
      By: fasphotographic
      Schizophrenia typically begins during childhood and gets progressively worse.
    • Individuals suffering from paranoid schizophrenia may believe that they are being hunted in some way.
      By: sebra
      Individuals suffering from paranoid schizophrenia may believe that they are being hunted in some way.
    • Auditory hallucinations are a typical symptom of of paranoid schizophrenia.
      By: Monkey Business
      Auditory hallucinations are a typical symptom of of paranoid schizophrenia.
    • Individuals suffering from paranoid schizophrenia often need life-long treatment.
      By: JPagetRFphotos
      Individuals suffering from paranoid schizophrenia often need life-long treatment.
    • People suffering from paranoid schizophrenia may benefit from support groups.
      By: Photographee.eu
      People suffering from paranoid schizophrenia may benefit from support groups.