Paranoid schizophrenia is the most common form of schizophrenia, where it is associated with a psychotic state (affecting one's mind) Originally, this condition had its own diagnosis, but since 2013, the American Psychiatric Association has included it as one of the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Even so, until now, the term is still used quite familiarly
Symptoms
People with the condition experience hallucinations and delusions, including paranoid thinking, making it difficult for them to distinguish between what is real and what is hallucinatory. These feelings can eventually lead to disruption of daily life and limit one's relationships with those around them.
a. Delusions
Believing something strongly, even if it is false. They usually will not change their mind even if the evidence is there.
b. Hallucinations
Hearing, seeing, smelling, or feeling things that do not exist. They usually cannot tell that what they are experiencing is not real.
In addition to these two symptoms, there are also other symptoms in people with schizophrenia, namely irregular pronunciation (repeating some words or phrases and making up their own words) and disorganized behavior (inability to control daily behavior, whether at home, work, or social environment).
Forms of Paranoia That Occur
Paranoid schizophrenia generally occurs between the ages of 16-30. Delusions and hallucinations are two symptoms that can lead to paranoia, which is a behavior where a person feels distrustful and suspicious of others and will take action based on these thoughts. People with paranoid schizophrenia may experience any of the following states:
- Upset, anxious, angry, and confused
- High suspicion of the people around them
- Extreme fear that someone is following them and trying to harm them
- Feeling as if a whisper is controlling his thoughts and actions
- Feeling that his/her mind is disappearing or being taken away
Paranoia is shown when a person is distrustful and suspicious of others.
Causes
The exact cause of paranoid schizophrenia is unknown, but it is likely to be genetic. However, not everyone with a family member with schizophrenia suffers from this disorder, nor do all people with schizophrenia experience symptoms of paranoia. There are other risk factors, namely:
- Brain abnormalities
- Childhood trauma due to abuse
- Loss or separation from parents as a child
- Exposure to a virus while in the womb or infant
Drug use is often found in people with schizophrenia, but the relationship is unclear. First, whether the drugs trigger the schizophrenic disorder. Secondly, whether it is the disorder that increases a person's tendency to use drugs in order to cope with their symptoms.
Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis of schizophrenia, a person must experience symptoms for at least 6 months, involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, disruption of social and occupational aspects, and a flat emotional state. It takes time for this diagnosis to be established by a mental health professional.
Treatment
Paranoid schizophrenia is a lifelong mental health condition, so treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms. When treatment is stopped, the symptoms may return. Treatment primarily relies on medication and psychotherapy, but can also be combined with complementary therapies. Here's the strategy:
- Medication: antipsychotics to reduce psychotic episodes
- Psychotherapy: vocational training therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive psychotherapy, cognitive enhancement therapy, and social support
- Complementary treatments: meditation and exercise
Symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia need to be managed with medication and psychotherapy
So, paranoid schizophrenia is characterized by delusions and hallucinations. This causes a person to have false beliefs and be unable to distinguish between reality and imagination. If the condition is not treated properly, it can interfere with daily functioning and even cause harm to oneself or others.
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