Paranoid Schizophrenia Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Paranoid schizophrenia, or schizophrenia with symptoms of paranoia, is the most common type of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a type of mental disorder in which thoughts and reality are not in line.
This one psychiatric disorder can affect the way a person thinks and behaves.
Paranoid Schizophrenia Symptoms
Early signs and symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia include delusions and hallucinations, as well as other symptoms. Delusions or delusions are beliefs that are considered real by individuals who suffer from paranoid schizophrenia, even though this is actually not proven.
The presence of paranoid delusions reflects fear and anxiety, as well as difficulty distinguishing between the real and the unreal. Some examples of delusions that can occur are the belief that someone wants to hurt themselves, the belief that the partner of the individual is having an affair, the belief that the government is spying on them, and so on.
In addition, individuals who experience paranoid schizophrenia can also experience symptoms in the form of hallucinations. Hallucinations are disturbances of perception, which can cause a person to hear voices that aren’t really there, see things that aren’t really real, or so on.
What distinguishes paranoid schizophrenia from other types of schizophrenia is the prominent symptoms of paranoia. Symptoms of paranoia that you experience can include:
- The existence of delusions of pursuit, which is the belief that other people want to do things to harm or harm that person.
- Experiencing auditory hallucinations and hearing someone’s voice threatening or ordering something to be done.
A person with active paranoid schizophrenia can be seriously affected by the delusions and hallucinations they experience. Most of the energy and attention of the person is focused on maintaining and protecting the wrong beliefs and distortions of the perceptions that are experienced.
Paranoid Schizophrenia Reason
The cause of paranoid schizophrenia is not known with certainty. However, experts say that like schizophrenia in general, paranoid schizophrenia can also be caused by a combination of various factors.
Genetic factors, environmental factors, and changes in the balance of chemicals in the brain are thought to contribute to the development of this disease. Changes in the balance of chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and glutamate can contribute to paranoid schizophrenia.
Diagnosis
Paranoid schizophrenia is important to distinguish from other mental disorders. In addition, it is also important to ensure that the signs and symptoms you are experiencing are not the result of consuming certain drugs, using certain substances, or having other health conditions.
The process of determining the diagnosis of schizophrenia can be done with an examination that includes:
- Physical examination. This examination is intended to rule out the presence of other health problems that can cause similar signs and symptoms, as well as check for complications from mental disorders that are experienced.
- Investigations and screening. This includes testing to rule out other conditions that may cause similar signs and symptoms.
In addition, it is also necessary to carry out screening tests related to the use of alcohol or certain drugs. The doctor may also order imaging tests, including computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to look for changes in brain structure.
- Psychiatric examination. Doctors can also do a mental status check by looking at the person’s appearance and demeanor.
During the examination, the doctor will also ask about various things including thoughts, moods, delusions, hallucinations, use of certain substances, and the possibility of violence or suicide. This examination also involves a discussion of personal or family history.
Paranoid Schizophrenia Treatment
In dealing with paranoid schizophrenia, doctors can prescribe antipsychotic drugs to help overcome the delusions and hallucinations that are experienced. Generally, it takes about a few weeks for the benefits of the drug to start to show.
Sometimes, doctors can prescribe a combination of several classes of medication, according to the individual’s needs. Even if you feel that your signs and symptoms are improving, treatment should continue according to the doctor’s instructions.
Apart from medication, counseling is also a treatment option for paranoid schizophrenia. Counseling can help individuals with this disorder to build good relationships with others, get a job or go to school, and take care of themselves.
A type of counseling called behavioral and cognitive therapy can help sufferers to deal with symptoms that don’t go away with medication. Patients who undergo counseling also show better medication adherence. In addition, positive support from friends and family members can also help manage the symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia.
Prevention
There is no specific way that can completely prevent paranoid schizophrenia. However, early detection and treatment of paranoid schizophrenia can help relieve symptoms before serious complications develop that can affect the individual’s long-term consequences.
In addition, ensuring that treatment is carried out regularly can prevent the worsening of the condition of people with paranoid schizophrenia.