Schizophrenia is one of the most damaging of all mental disorders. It causes its victims to lose touch with reality. The symptoms of schizophrenia interfere with a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others. “According to health square.com, the first signs of paranoid schizophrenia usually surface between the ages of 15 and 34. The causes of schizophrenia are still under debate. A chemical imbalance in the brain seems to play a role, but the reason for the imbalance remains unclear. Stress does not cause schizophrenia, but can make the symptoms worse.”
Friends and family often notice the first changes before the victim does.
Among the signs are: hallucinations, delusions, nervousness, inability to make decisions, anger, changes in eating or sleeping habits, energy level, or weight, strange statements or behavior, neglect of personal hygiene, and a conviction that you are better than others, or that people are out to get you.
There is no cure, but the disorder can be controlled with medications. Severe attacks may require hospitalization. Drugs such as Thorazine, Haldol, and Risperdal combat symptoms in four out of five patients. An acute attack usually can be cleared up in for to eight weeks. Counseling and group therapy help recovering patients to understand the disease and to function effectively. Without medication and therapy, most paranoid schizophrenia sufferers are unable to function in the real world. If they fall victim to severe hallucinations and delusion, they can be a danger to themselves and those around them.