Paranoid Schizophrenia - Perhaps the most debilitating of mental illnesses, paranoid schizophrenia causes distorted thinking and perception. People with paranoid schizophrenia often see or hear things that are not there. An individual with paranoid schizophrenia has constant feelings of being watched or persecuted.
Contrary to popular opinion, paranoid schizophrenia is not a multiple personality disorder. People with paranoid schizophrenia are rarely violent, and they can usually function and make life decisions without the help of a guardian.
People with paranoid schizophrenia go through periods of remission, often going for a long time without symptoms of the disease before having a relapse.
Paranoid schizophrenia can be controlled, but requires ongoing medication, like many other diseases.
Paranoid schizophrenia affects only a very small percentage of the population. It usually appears in adolescents and young adults. Medical Impact of Paranoid Schizophrenia
In worst cases, because of delusions, individuals with paranoid schizophrenia may endanger themselves or others. Side effects of anti-psychotic medication may cause facial ticks and abnormal movements in the arms and legs, as well as dizziness, drowsiness or restlessness in an individual with paranoid schizophrenia.
Signs of Paranoid Schizophrenia
In its early stages, schizophrenia may go unnoticed. Symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia in the early stages may include social withdrawal, lack of concentration, sleeplessness, tension and a change in personality.
As the paranoid schizophrenia progresses, symptoms become more intense and the person's behavior is often bizarre. Paranoid schizophrenia sufferers may believe that others can hear their thoughts or control their actions. In addition to delusions, hallucinations are common. The individual with paranoid schizophrenia may not only see things that aren't there, but also imagine smelling or feeling things.
Individuals with paranoid schizophrenia often become socially withdrawn. Paranoid schizophrenia may cause them to show a lack of motivation or emotion, or they may become preoccupied with one thing to the point of obsession. Thinking is frequently disordered and the person suffering from paranoid schizophrenia is likely to say things that make no sense.
Causes of Paranoid Schizophrenia
While the cause of paranoid schizophrenia remains unknown, researchers believe several factors contribute to causing paranoid schizophrenia. Because twins have a high probability of both developing paranoid schizophrenia if one has it, researchers believe there is a genetic cause. Chemical changes in a person's body during puberty are also believed to have an impact, since paranoid schizophrenia most often begins at that point in life.
Severe stress, viral infections and other external factors are also believed to be contributors to paranoid schizophrenia.
Treatment of Paranoid Schizophrenia
Paranoid schizophrenia is usually treated with a combination of therapies, tailored to the individual's symptoms and needs. Anti-psychotic medications can reduce hallucinations and disordered thinking, but do not affect the social withdrawal that is common among those with paranoid schizophrenia. Failure to take medication even during remission periods can result in a relapse.
Psychotherapy is used to address the emotional and social issues that result from paranoid schizophrenia. Group therapy can be especially helpful, because it creates opportunities for socialization for individuals with paranoid schizophrenia.
Helping Someone Find Treatment For Paranoid Schizophrenia
If you suspect you or someone you know has paranoid schizophrenia, do something about it. Seek professional counseling immediately.
For help, contact Walden Behavioral Care at 781-647-6700 or Info@waldenbehavioralcare.com.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Paranoid Schizophrenia
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