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.
However, paranoia is a common symptom of schizophrenia, so one could be described as havingschizophrenia with paranoia.
Madrolly / Getty Images
Their illness may also affect other aspects of their behavior and ability to care for themselves properly.
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.
Although not all delusions are the same, some people have some commonalities.
For example, believing that another person is poisoning ones food or drinks is a common delusion of persecution.
Disorganized Behavior
Disorganized behavior is the overall inability to control outward behavior, including emotions and impulses.
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.
Co-occurring Conditions
Many co-occurring conditions commonly affect a person with schizophrenia with paranoia.
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.
These medications work to reduce or eliminate psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions.
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.
People with schizophrenia have a high risk of a co-occurring substance use disorder or another mental health disorder.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
American Psychiatric Association.What is schizophrenia?
National Association on Mental Illness.Schizophrenia
World Health Organization.Schizophrenia.
Cagliostro, D. Psycom.Paranoid schizophrenia.
Gonzalez-Rodriguez A, Seeman MV.Differences between delusional disorder and schizophrenia: A mini narrative review.World J Psychiatry.
2022 May 19;12(5):683-692. doi:10.5498/wjp.v12.i5.683
Help Guide.Schizophrenia symptoms and coping tips.
Chaudhury S.Hallucinations: clinical aspects and management.Industrial Psychiatry Journal.
2010;19(1):5. doi:10.4103/0972-6748.77625
Rethink Mental Illness.Schizophrenia.
National Institute of Mental Health.Schizophrenia.