Paranoid Schizophrenia Symptoms and Signs
Paranoid Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that causes it’s victims to lose touch with reality. Symptoms can start gradually or they can happen all of a sudden (acute). Friends, co-workers, and family are usually the first to notice the changes but are not quite sure what to make of them until signs become severe.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia:
* Confusion
* Unable to make decisions
* Hallucinations
* Changes in eating or sleeping habits, energy level, or weight
* Delusions – False beliefs
* Anxiety
* Odd statements or behavior
* Withdrawal from friends, work, or school
* Lack of personal hygiene
* Anger
* Indifference to the opinions of others
* Argumentative
* A belief that you are better than others (delusions of grandeur), or that people are out to get you (delusions of persecution)
Signs of Schizophrenia:
* Social withdrawal,
* Inability to concentrate
* Sleep disturbance
* Tension
* Personality changes
Paranoid schizophrenia are rarely causes one to be violent. People with paranoid schizophrenia can usually function and make life decisions without assistance. There are periods when symptoms appear to have abated and the patient may be symptom free for months before relapsing.
Paranoid schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that can be controlled with medications when taken as prescribed by the health care professional. Antipsychotic medications may need to be taken for life. Symptoms may return when medication is discontinued.
A big concern is that patients often discontinue medication on their own or refuse to adhere to their treatment regimen, leading to a relapse of symptoms. If symptoms are severe, hospitalization is usually required until symptoms and reduced enough to allow the patient to be discharged to home in the care of family members.
The causes of schizophrenia are unknown. However, an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, as well as genetics, and the environment are thought to be factors. other factors may include severe stress and viral infections. Research is ongoing for a cure for schizophrenia.
The goal of treatment is to decrease symptoms with the help of antipsychotic medications and therapy sessions in group or individual sessions with a qualified mental health provider.
by Barb Hicks, RN