Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPrevalenceFrequent SymptomsCo-occurring ConditionsTreatmentLiving With SchizophreniaWhen to See a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Prevalence
Frequent Symptoms
Co-occurring Conditions
Treatment
Living With Schizophrenia
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Paranoia is a pattern of thinking in which one feels irrationally suspicious, persecuted, or threatened. It can range from mild feelings of discomfort to an intense, extremely distressing, and disabling pattern of thinking.
For people with schizophrenia, paranoid thoughts and feelings can be persistent, extremely unpleasant, and even dangerous.
Up until 2013, schizophrenia was categorized into different subtypes, with paranoid schizophrenia being one of them. The most recent version of the American Psychiatric Association’sDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-5) no longer considers paranoid schizophrenia a definitive subtype of the disorder, so the term is no longer used.
However, paranoia is a common symptom of schizophrenia, so one could be described as havingschizophrenia with paranoia.
This article will discuss common symptoms of schizophrenia with paranoia, such as delusions and hallucinations, as well as treatment options and how to know when to contact a healthcare provider for help.
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What Is Schizophrenia With Paranoia?
It is estimated that 0.25% to 0.64% of U.S. adults have schizophrenia.Worldwide, it is estimated that around 20 million people live with the mental disorder.
Although it can occur at any age,symptoms of schizophreniatend to start in a person’s late teens to the early 20s for men, and the late 20s to early 30s for women.
In addition to paranoia, for example, they may see people and hear voices that they believe are real but are not. Their illness may also affect other aspects of their behavior and ability to care for themselves properly.
Early Symptoms
Examples of early symptoms that might predict the onset of schizophrenia with paranoia include:
Other signs of schizophrenia with paranoia often include:
Phases
There are severalphases of schizophreniaas the disorder progresses from the early warning signs—referred to as the prodromal phase—to the active phase of the disease, in which distortions in perception and debilitating thoughts are present. After the active phase, there may be a residual phase.
Delusions
Delusions are firmly held untrue beliefs; these beliefs are maintained despite evidence to the contrary. Examples of common types of delusions that people with schizophrenia may have include:
Approximately 90% of people who are diagnosed with schizophrenia have delusions.
Although not all delusions are the same, some people have some commonalities. For example, believing that another person is poisoning one’s food or drinks is a common delusion of persecution.
Hallucinations
There are several types of hallucinations, including:
Voices can be:
Disorganized Speech
People with schizophrenia may have a symptom called “disorganized speech.”
This doesn’t mean that a speech impediment is present; instead, it involves speech that gets derailed or is incoherent. It may involve repeating words and phrases or starting in the middle of a sentence instead of at the beginning.
This symptom stems from disorganized thinking that people with schizophrenia often have.Sometimes, this type of speech is referred to as “word salad.”
Disorganized Behavior
Disorganized behavior is the overall inability to control outward behavior, including emotions and impulses.
Examples of how disorganized behavior may manifest in a person with schizophrenia with paranoia include:
Disorganized behavior can have a major negative impact on a person’s job, education, and home life, interfering with personal relationships.
Suicidal Thoughts
People who have untreated schizophrenia with paranoia are at high risk for having suicidal thoughts and making suicide attempts.
Seek HelpIf you or someone you know has any thoughts of self-harm, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Seek Help
If you or someone you know has any thoughts of self-harm, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
If you or someone you know has any thoughts of self-harm, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Many co-occurring conditions commonly affect a person with schizophrenia with paranoia.
For instance, people with schizophrenia often use alcohol or illicit drugs to try and manage their symptoms.Another complication is the development of co-occurring mood and anxiety disorders.
People with schizophrenia are also at higher risk of:
It usually becomes evident that a person with schizophrenia needs treatment during the active phase of the disorder. This is when the positive symptoms of psychosis (such as hallucinations) emerge, creating a significant disruption in a person’s life.
Early intervention often equates to better treatment outcomes for people diagnosed with schizophrenia with paranoia.
Below are some effective treatment approaches to manage these symptoms.
Medications to Treat Schizophrenia
Antipsychotic Medications
Antipsychotic medications are perhaps the most common type of treatment for people with schizophrenia with paranoia. These medications work to reduce or eliminate psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions.
Antipsychotic medications may be given:
Difficulty Administering MedicationPeople with schizophrenia with paranoia often have delusional thinking that involves the belief that they are being poisoned.This might translate to non-compliance with taking medications.
Difficulty Administering Medication
People with schizophrenia with paranoia often have delusional thinking that involves the belief that they are being poisoned.This might translate to non-compliance with taking medications.
Psychosocial Treatments
Many types of psychosocial treatments are known to be effective in helping people with schizophrenia live a normal and productive life.
Psychosocial treatment modalities include:
If you or someone you love is living with schizophrenia, there are things you can do to increase the likelihood of a successful treatment program. Strategies include:
You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at988,or textthe Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741)
Summary
Paranoid schizophrenia used to be considered a subtype of schizophrenia. However, since 2013 and the publication of the DSM-5, this term is no longer used. Instead, someone may be considered to have schizophrenia with paranoia.
In addition to paranoia, symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions, social isolation, and disorganized thinking and behavior. People with schizophrenia have a high risk of a co-occurring substance use disorder or another mental health disorder.
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