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Schizophrenic Paranoid Personality Disorder

Paranoid schizophrenia is a type of personality disorder characterized by delusions of conspiracies and hearing things that are not real. Paranoid schizophrenics typically are more able to function than those with other types of schizophrenia and can lead normal lives with treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  1. Statistics

    • Paranoid schizophrenia affects less than 1 percent of the population and usually begins during the teen years or in the early 30s, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms include hearing voices, anger, violence against yourself or others and anxiety. Paranoid schizophrenics usually are not severely affected by mood disorders or loss of concentration, the Mayo Clinic reports.

    Causes

    • Like many psychological disorders, scientists are not sure of the exact cause of schizophrenia, but many believe it may be related to genetics or a dysfunction of the brain.

    Risk Factors

    • Risk factors for developing paranoid schizophrenia include having a family history of the personality disorder, being exposed to viruses while in the womb, traumatic childhood experiences and use of psychoactive drugs during teen years.

    Treatment

    • There is no cure for paranoid schizophrenia, but antipsyhchotic, antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications can be used to control the symptoms. Hospitalization may be required in severe cases.

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