Schizophrenia is a type of mental disorder that pushes the mind out of sync with reality. Those who suffer from it are often found to be unreasonably suspicious of others. The disease affects their overall perception of things making them extremely distrustful. This in turn, makes it difficult for them to hold down a job, build relationships, or even perform the most basic of tasks that involve interacting with other people.
There's no cure for schizophrenia but there are medications that can help to eliminate some of the symptoms so that those who have it can find ways to live and work with others. All that is needed is to recognize the symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia so they can get the help they need.
Symptoms Of Paranoia:
One of the most common signs of schizophrenia is a strong feeling of suspicion. People with schizophrenia are delusional and sincerely believe that their feelings are real. Even in the face of powerful evidence, they cannot be dissuaded from their belief that everyone is out to get them. They may have a sense that they are being persecuted, are fearful and excessively anxious. These feelings can appear at work when interacting with co-workers, at home with the idea that their partner may be cheating, or they may feel that they are being followed or spied on by the government.
Violence:
Another common symptom may be violence. This often comes from the sense that they're being threatened to the point where they may feel that violence is the only way to defend themselves. Those closest to them, their family members, or close friends usually receive the brunt of these attacks.
Hallucinations:
Other symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia can include hallucinations in some form or another. The brain receives false input that could include hearing voices in their head. These voices could be making fun of them or taunting them in some way. Others often claim that the voices tell them to do harmful things to others.
What To Look For:
Schizophrenia doesn't come on all at once. It is a progressive disease that can take months to fully develop and the symptoms are not always easily recognized. It could start with subtle signs like the inability to stay focused or to follow a single train of thought, confusing dreams with reality. These may develop into the idea that someone is stealing from them or that an evil spirit is in control. Other signs and symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia could include worry about people talking about them or excessively dwelling on the past. Some even have powerful mood swings and irritability, while others show angry outbursts for no apparent reason and have a heightened level of anxiety.
Being able to identify the symptoms of schizophrenia is the first and most important step in getting them the help they need. They should be brought to a doctor as soon as you have a suspicion, especially if there is a history of the disorder in the family. A diagnosis of schizophrenia can be hard to cope with but once treatment has begun those who have it can live a relatively normal life without complications.