Paranoid schizophrenia is an old term that experts no longer use. APA (American Psychiatric Association) stopped using it in 2013, and other organizations have followed suit. Despite the change, paranoia remains a key symptom in diagnosing and treating schizophrenia.
Read on to learn more about this challenging condition and find out how to get effective mental health treatment.
What Is Paranoid Schizophrenia?
Paranoid schizophrenia used to describe a type of schizophrenia, but now it’s just called schizophrenia. This condition is part of a group of mental health issues that involve psychosis.
In 2013, APA updated its guidebook – DSM-5 – and dropped the term paranoid schizophrenia. In 2019, the World Health Organization did the same in their guidebook, ICD-11.
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Schizophrenia affects various parts of your brain, changing how you think, remember, and sense the world. People with schizophrenia often struggle to tell what’s real from what’s not. They might see or hear things that aren’t there (hallucinations) and believe things that aren’t true (delusions). They can also have trouble organizing their thoughts.
Symptoms of Paranoid Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia usually occurs in three stages, with the active stage being the most intense. The main symptoms include:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Disorganized or incoherent speech
- Disorganized or unusual behavior
- Negative symptoms
- Paranoia
Delusions and hallucinations
These two symptoms can involve paranoia.
- Delusions: These are strong false beliefs that don’t change, even with clear evidence against them. Paranoid delusions often mean believing someone is trying to harm them.
- Hallucinations: Things a person imagines seeing or hearing that aren’t there. Hallucinations can make delusions worse by giving the person more “evidence” that someone is trying to harm them.
3 Causes of Paranoid Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia doesn’t have a single cause. Experts think several factors might play a role, but none of these guarantees someone will develop schizophrenia. Here are three main reasons it might happen:
- Chemical imbalances in the brain: The brain uses chemicals to send messages between brain cells. An imbalance in these chemicals might contribute to schizophrenia.
- Brain development problems: Problems that affect the brain’s development before birth can play a role.
- Communication issues in the brain: The brain relies on connection networks to work properly. If these connections break down, it might lead to schizophrenia.
Several risk factors might increase the chance of developing schizophrenia, including genetic mutations, exposure to certain chemicals, complications during pregnancy, and recreational drug use. However, no confirmed triggers or causes have been found. Understanding these factors can help find better treatments and support for those affected.
How Paranoid Schizophrenia Is Diagnosed
A healthcare provider, usually a psychiatrist, diagnoses schizophrenia using a combination of tools and techniques:
- Analyzing medical and personal history: The doctor will look at your medical history and ask about your personal life to understand your past health issues and experiences.
- Asking about experiences and symptoms: The doctor will ask about your feelings and experiences, including delusions, hallucinations, or unusual behaviors.
- Observing behavior: The doctor will observe your actions and behavior to see signs of schizophrenia.
To diagnose schizophrenia, doctors look for:
- At least two of the five main symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, and negative symptoms).
- Symptoms that have lasted at least one month, with overall effects lasting at least six months.
- Disruption in your social or work life.
Tests to rule out other conditions
- Imaging tests: CT and MRI scans take pictures to look for physical problems in the brain.
- Blood, urine, and spinal fluid tests: These check for chemical changes, infections, or heavy metal poisoning.
- Brain activity testing: EEG checks the electrical activity in your brain to rule out problems like seizures.
Combining these methods helps doctors accurately diagnose schizophrenia and rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Why Proper Treatment Is Essential for Paranoid Schizophrenia
Proper treatment is essential for people with schizophrenia. Without it, symptoms can worsen and make everyday life difficult.
Improving quality of life
Treatment can reduce symptoms like delusions and hallucinations, making it easier to work, study, and enjoy daily activities.
Preventing relapses
Ongoing treatment reduces the likelihood of severe episodes that can disrupt life.
Building strong relationships
Proper treatment helps improve communication and build stronger relationships with family and friends.
Maintaining independence
Treatment helps manage daily tasks and live more independently.
Preventing harm
Without treatment, schizophrenia symptoms can lead to dangerous behaviors.
Supporting long-term recovery
People can manage their symptoms and work towards long-term recovery with the right care.
If you or someone you know has schizophrenia, seek help from a healthcare provider. Proper treatment can make a big difference and help people lead healthier, more fulfilled lives.
Get Science-Backed, Empathetic Mental Health Help at Connections
If you need compassionate and effective mental health treatment, reach out to Connections in Southern California. We offer inpatient programs for paranoid schizophrenia and other conditions at our treatment center by the beach.
Small groups of just six people give you personal attention and peer support.
All mental health conditions are different, so all our treatment programs provide personalized therapies. This may include medications, talk therapy, counseling, family therapy, and holistic treatments.
Call our compassionate team today at 844-759-0999.
