Paranoid schizophrenia is a term previously used to describe schizophrenia with prominent paranoid features, such as delusions and hallucinations. A person may hear voices, see things that are not there, or have changes in behavior, such as agitation and restlessness.
In current practice, paranoid schizophrenia is no longer classified as a separate subtype of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia refers to a group of disabling psychiatric disorders that may be linked to genetic factors, environmental factors, or changes in neurotransmitters.
Although paranoid schizophrenia has no cure, a psychiatrist may recommend treatment to help manage symptoms. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, and occupational therapy to improve the person’s quality of life.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia are:
-
Delusions of persecution, jealousy, or believing they have a special mission
-
Hallucinations, such as hearing voices that insult them or give them orders, or seeing things that are not there
-
Changes in speech, in which the person may speak in a disorganized way or make up words
-
Changes in behavior, which may include aggression and agitation
-
Anosognosia, which is a lack of awareness or denial of the condition
Other symptoms that may also occur in schizophrenia with paranoid features include suicidal thoughts, trouble concentrating, lack of motivation, or social isolation.
Confirming a diagnosis
Schizophrenia with prominent paranoid features is diagnosed by a psychiatrist, who evaluates the person’s signs and symptoms and family health history through an interview.
The doctor may also order tests such as a CT scan, MRI, urine test, complete blood count (CBC), pregnancy test, genetic testing, and electroencephalogram (EEG).
In addition, doctors may use tools such as the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, and the Disability Assessment Schedule to assess mental health, disability, and symptom severity in people with schizophrenia.
Possible causes
The exact cause of schizophrenia is still unknown, but genetics are thought to play an important role, even though most people with a family member who has schizophrenia never develop the condition themselves.
Other factors that may increase the risk include changes in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) such as dopamine and serotonin; prenatal infections, maternal malnutrition, or other problems that affect brain development before birth; and the use of substances such as cannabis.
Treatment options
Although schizophrenia has no cure, treatment recommended by a psychiatrist may involve antipsychotic medications, such as aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, these medications can help reduce the intensity and frequency of psychotic symptoms in people with schizophrenia.
Some anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam and lorazepam, may also be prescribed by the doctor short-term to help manage acute agitation or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), art therapy, and occupational therapy are also recommended to help a person with schizophrenia better understand and adapt to their condition, improve social reintegration and quality of life, and help prevent relapses.