Paranoid schizophrenia - Symptoms, causes and treatment

Paranoid schizophrenia is a type of schizophrenia characterized by the appearance of positive symptoms, such as delusions (beliefs in something that is not real) and hallucinations. Although it can affect anyone, this condition is more common in people aged 18–30 years.

Paranoid schizophrenia is the most common type of schizophrenia. Generally, people with paranoid schizophrenia will experience suspicion or fear of something that is not real.

Feeling like being ordered, chased, or controlled by others, as well as auditory hallucinations are symptoms that sufferers often experience. This in turn affects the way he thinks and behaves.

Paranoid schizophrenia is a lifelong illness. However, with the help of doctors and regular treatment, the symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia can be relieved and the sufferer can adapt to the condition he has.

Causes of Paranoid Schizophrenia

It is not known exactly what causes paranoid schizophrenia. There are allegations that this condition runs in families. However, not all people with paranoid schizophrenia have family members with the same condition.

As explained earlier, paranoid schizophrenia can occur at any age, but most cases occur in adolescents and young adults between the ages of 18–30.

risk factors

Although the exact cause is not known, the following are some factors that are thought to increase a person's risk of experiencing paranoid schizophrenia:

  • Having disorders and disorders in the brain
  • Experiencing hypoxia or lack of oxygen at birth
  • Experiencing trauma as a child, including bullying, sexual abuse, or facing divorce or the loss of a parent
  • Suffering from a viral infection during childhood or while in the womb

Symptoms of Paranoid Schizophrenia

The main symptom of paranoid schizophrenia is the appearance of delusions and hallucinations, especially auditory hallucinations. These symptoms can develop over time and can sometimes subside even though they are not completely cured.

Of the many types of delusions, delusions of pursuit or belief in persecution are the most common symptoms. This condition is seen by the emergence of great fear and anxiety about things that are not real. Chasing delusions are a reflection of the inability to distinguish between reality and not.

Symptoms of chase delusions experienced by people with paranoid schizophrenia can include:

  • Feeling that someone or the government is spying on their daily activities
  • Feeling that the people around him are conspiring to harm him
  • Feeling that his friends or closest people are trying to harm him, one of them is the thought that someone put poison in his food
  • Feeling that his partner is having an affair

In addition to delusions and hallucinations, paranoid schizophrenics often behave uncontrollably or chaoticly (disorganized behavior) and difficult to understand in speech.

Delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized behavior and speech are classified as positive symptoms in people with paranoid schizophrenia. When experiencing paranoid schizophrenia, these positive symptoms will be more dominant.

Although rare, some negative symptoms, such as being unable to feel emotions, loss of interest in daily activities, or loss of interest in things that were previously pleasurable, can also be experienced by people with schizophrenia.

Negative symptoms need to be watched out for because they can lead to suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation is quite often found in cases of schizophrenia or paranoid schizophrenia that are not handled properly.

All of the symptoms that result from having paranoid schizophrenia can cause interference with work, relationships with others, or even self-care.

When to go to the doctor

Consult a psychiatrist if you experience one or more of the symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia, especially if you have feelings of self-harm or suicide.

Consult a doctor if any member of your family seems to be behaving strangely, disorganized, or uncontrollably.

People who have been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia are also required to undergo regular check-ups with their doctor so that the progress of their condition can be monitored.

Diagnosis of Paranoid Schizophrenia

To diagnose paranoid schizophrenia, the doctor will ask questions about the symptoms experienced and the patient's and family's medical history. After that, the doctor will conduct an examination to find out whether the patient's symptoms are caused by illness or physical violence.

Next, the doctor will determine the patient's diagnosis based on the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5).

To see whether there are medical conditions or other diseases that may be the cause or accompanying the above symptoms, the doctor may also perform several supporting examinations, such as:

  • Blood tests, to find out if the patient's symptoms are caused by alcoholism or drug use
  • Scan tests with CT scan, MRI, and electroencephalogram (EEG), to see the possibility of abnormalities in the brain and blood vessels
  • Urine test, to see the possibility of addiction to certain substances

Once a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia has been established, sublime function tests are required to assess the patient's cognitive abilities and plan therapy. Sublime function tests usually aim to find out if there is a problem with:

  • Ability to remember
  • Ability to plan, organize, or initiate activities
  • Ability to focus on activities
  • Ability to grasp abstract concepts and recognize social conditions

Paranoid Schizophrenia Treatment

Treatment of paranoid schizophrenia takes a long time, even after symptoms have subsided. This treatment aims to control and reduce symptoms in paranoid schizophrenic patients. The following are some treatment methods that can be done:

Administration of antipsychotic drugs

Doctors will prescribe antipsychotic drugs to help relieve the main symptoms, namely delusions and hallucinations. Antipsychotics work by affecting chemical compounds in the brain (neurotransmitter), especially dopamine.

Patients are required to take medication according to the doctor's advice and should not stop carelessly, even though the symptoms have improved.

While taking the drug, the doctor will monitor the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs and adjust the dose. Generally, it takes about 3–6 weeks to see the effectiveness of the antipsychotic medication given. In some patients, the time required can even reach 12 weeks.

Antipsychotic drugs are divided into two, namely first generation antipsychotic drugs (typical) and second generation antipsychotics (atypical). The first generation of antipsychotic drugs that doctors can give to patients with paranoid schizophrenia include:

  • Chlorpromazine

  • Haloperidol
  • Fluphenazine
  • Perphenazine
  • Trifluoperazine

While the second generation of antispkotik drugs (atypical) that can be given by doctors are:

  • Aripiprazole
  • Asenapine
  • Clozapine
  • Olanzapine
  • Paliperidone
  • Quetiapine
  • Risperidone

In addition to antipsychotic drugs, doctors can also prescribe drugs to relieve other complaints that are often experienced by people with paranoid schizophrenia. Medications that can be given include antidepressants or antianxiety drugs.

Psychotherapy

People with paranoid schizophrenia will be advised to follow psychotherapy. The goal is for sufferers to realize, understand, and adapt to their condition. That way, the patient can return to their activities. Some methods of psychotherapy that can be used to treat paranoid schizophrenia are:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy

    Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change the patient's behavior and thought patterns. A combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, will help patients understand the triggers for hallucinations and delusions, and teach patients how to deal with them.

  • Cognitive remediation therapy

    This therapy teaches patients how to understand the social environment and control their thought patterns, as well as improve the patient's ability to pay attention or remember things.

  • Family education therapy

    In this therapy, the psychiatrist will teach the patient's family and friends how to interact with the patient. One way is to understand the patient's mindset and behavior.

  • Exposure therapy (desensitization)

    This therapy helps patients build a sense of optimism and positive beliefs about themselves and others.

  • Electroconvulsive therapy

    This therapy uses electrodes with a low electric current. Electroconvulsive therapy is a method that is sometimes used if schizophrenia does not improve with medication. This therapy can also relieve symptoms of major depression.

Self care

In addition to drugs and psychotherapy, the management of paranoid schizophrenia also needs to be accompanied by independent care at home, such as:

  • Try to have enough sleep
  • Doing exercise regularly
  • Managing stress in a positive way
  • Maintain social interactions and participate in activities that involve many people
  • Implementing a healthy lifestyle, such as stopping smoking, alcoholic beverages, and not taking illegal drugs

Paranaoid schizophrenia is a lifelong disorder and cannot be fully recovered. However, with early detection, appropriate treatment, and support from the environment and family, people with paranoid schizophrenia can adapt to their situation.

Complications of Paranoid Schizophrenia

If not treated properly, paranoid schizophrenia can cause complications such as:

  • Alcohol addiction
  • Drugs addicted
  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Desire to hurt yourself and kill yourself

Prevention of Paranoid Schizophrenia

Paranoid schizophrenia cannot be prevented. However, you can lower your risk of developing paranoid schizophrenia by doing the following:

  • Talk to family, friends, or a psychologist about your anxiety or trauma.
  • Increase positive social activities.
  • Do not consume alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.
  • Apply a healthy lifestyle, by exercising, getting enough sleep, eating regularly, and managing stress well.