PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIA

Paranoid Schizophrenia



Paranoid Schizophrenia

Introduction

Paranoid Type Schizophrenia is a form of schizophrenia dominated by delusions and, to a lesser extent, hallucinations. The behavior and speech of someone with paranoid schizophrenia does not show the marked disorganization typical of the disorganized type, nor is there a prominent display of flattened or inappropriate affect or catatonic behavior. The delusions often involve themes of grandeur, persecution, or jealousy. The patient may believe, for example, that the spouse or lover is unfaithful despite a lack of evidence. Patients may become highly agitated, confused, and fearful. This paper discusses Paranoid Schizophrenia.

Discussion

People with paranoid schizophrenia hold systematized delusions that commonly involve themes of persecution and grandeur. They usually do not show the degree of confusion, disorganization, or disturbed motor behavior seen in people with catatonic or disorganized schizophrenia. Unless they are discussing the areas in which they are delusional, their thought processes can appear to be relatively intact. (Walker, 2004)

Paranoid schizophrenia

Paranoid schizophrenia is an interesting and severe disorder. In order to apply a diagnosis of Paranoid Schizophrenia, the person must first meet the overall criteria for schizophrenia. The disorder is specifically labeled as Paranoid Schizophrenia when the symptom picture is dominated by preoccupation with grandiose or persecutory delusions, delusions of jealousy (erotomania), or hallucinations (auditory) with a delusional content. (Barch, 2005)

Etiology

The onset of schizophrenia late in Schreber's life is consistent with symptoms he displayed of paranoid schizophrenia. The extreme steps taken by Schreber's father to control his children and to inhibit normal functioning and expression of feelings likely resulted in this condition. There were no other schizophrenics known in Schreber's family history, thus possibly placing Schreber into that small percentage of schizophrenics who may have acquired the syndrome during his life. Schreber's delusions were grandiose and bizarre, and his hallucinations were constant during his episodes of schizophrenia. His preoccupation with turning into a woman, his involvement with God and nerves, and his compulsive thinking as a result of messages from souls all are part of a classic symptom picture of paranoid schizophrenia. (Etkin, 2010)

What is interesting is that even during his most extreme episodes, Schreber was able to function sufficiently to meet his needs. For instance, he was able to write a logical, meaningful letter to his wife, describing his illness while he was experiencing constant hallucinations and delusions. Also, Schreber's successful appeal of his permanent commitment was seemingly remarkable. These events are not unusual, however, for the paranoid type of schizophrenics, who are often able to present themselves in a reasonably normal-appearing manner. Schreber's high level of intelligence also is not that uncommon in the paranoid type of schizophrenia.

A factor in Schreber's background that is common in the history of the development of paranoid behavior is the use of harsh and shaming techniques by his parents to discipline him. Shaming techniques particularly predispose an individual to learn to anticipate the possibility of humiliation and thus to engage in numerous mechanisms to protect the ego from this experience.

Paranoids do differ from normals in phrase s of ...