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.

Features

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Paranoid schizophrenia requires diligent life-long management. Commons treatments include drug therapy, psychotherapy, vocational skills training, electroconvulsive therapy and hospitalization.

Famous Ties

• Famous people with paranoid schizophrenia include Eugene O'Neill, Ed Gein, Tom Harrell, John Nash and Lionel Aldridge.