What is a Paranoid Schizophrenic?
Paranoid schizophrenia is a subtype of several forms of schizophrenia. Although, according to the Mayo Clinic, paranoid schizophrenics may be more functional than other types, it is nevertheless a severe and debilitating mental illness.
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Features
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According to the Mayo Clinic, paranoid schizophrenia is characterized by chronic psychosis (break from reality). The most common psychotic features are delusions and auditory hallucinations.
Clinical Symptoms
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Paranoid schizophrenics typically experience delusions of grandeur, persecution, exalted birth, special mission, jealousy or physical alteration. Auditory hallucinations feature voices that threaten, mock, command, whistle or hum.
Outward Signs
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Signs of paranoid schizophrenia observable to others include weight fluctuation, poor hygiene, aloofness, anger, verbal confrontation, indecisiveness, confusion, odd words or actions, isolation and talk of suicide.
Cause
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According to Health Square, although the exact cause of paranoid schizophrenia is still under debate, studies suggest that a combination of genetic, environmental and neurological factors are at the root of the disorder.
Treatment
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Paranoid schizophrenia requires diligent life-long management. Commons treatments include drug therapy, psychotherapy, vocational skills training, electroconvulsive therapy and hospitalization.
Famous Ties
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Famous people with paranoid schizophrenia include Eugene O'Neill, Ed Gein, Tom Harrell, John Nash and Lionel Aldridge.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit www.sxc.hu
