Delusional Paranoid Schizophrenic Symptoms

There are several kinds of schizophrenia, including delusional paranoid schizophrenia, which is typically called paranoid schizophrenia. All schizophrenics have a distorted perception of reality, but paranoid schizophrenics have a tendency to unreasonably believe that a particular person or group is trying to harm them. Other symptoms often manifest in addition to the paranoia.

Time Frame

• Symptoms can start anytime from childhood to age 45. However the majority of patients begin showing symptoms in the late teens or early twenties. Symptoms last for at least six months.

Positive Symptoms

• These are called positive symptoms because they positively identify paranoid schizophrenia. According to the Mayo Clinic, these include a belief of being persecuted by someone or something not persecuting you and experiencing audible hallucinations.

Negative Symptoms

• These can happen in other types of mental disorders, including paranoid schizophrenia. According to the World Health Organization, these include impaired speech, emotional shutdown and hallucinations (vision or smell).

Potential

• Symptoms can become so severe that the person is unable to take care of himself or communicate with anyone. The person is usually more of a danger to himself than to anyone else.

Treatment

• Treating these symptoms requires a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. Treatment can last for the rest of the patient's life.