Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. Paranoid schizophrenia is the most common type of schizophrenia in many parts of the world including Anguilla. Many individuals with this disorder are reluctant to seek treatment, but many of the symptoms can be controlled if managed by a professional team of healthcare providers.
What is paranoid schizophrenia?
This is a chronic mental health disorder requiring lifelong treatment. The main symptom is that of paranoid and delusions (unusual beliefs not based on reality that often contradict the evidence) usually accompanied by hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that do not exist). The most common paranoid symptoms are:
• delusions of persecution, reference, exalted birth, special mission, bodily change or jealousy;
• hallucinatory voices that threaten the individual or give commands, or auditory hallucinations, without verbal form, such as whistling, humming or laughing.
What causes paranoid schizophrenia?
It is not known what causes paranoid schizophrenia, but researchers believe that a combination of genetics and environment contributes to development of the disorder. Anyone can get this brain disorder. Paranoid schizophrenia is most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35. Men and women are affected equally.
How is paranoid schizophrenia diagnosed?
There is no single test available to confirm the diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. It is most often diagnosed after an assessment by a mental healthcare professional such as a psychiatrist. It is important that schizophrenia is diagnosed as early as possible, as the chances of recovery improve the earlier it is treated.
Treatment
Paranoid schizophrenia is usually treated with a combination of medication and therapy appropriate to each individual. In most cases, this will be antipsychotic medicines and cognitive behavioural therapy. Treatment is life long and often requires the support of family members and friends.
Conclusion
Paranoid schizophrenia is a leading mental health disorder in Anguilla. If paranoid schizophrenia is well managed, it is possible to reduce the chances of severe relapses. Like other mental health illnesses, there is still much stigma and discrimination of individuals living with disorder in Anguilla. Much more health education is needed to combat these negative attributes.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty-two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
