According to reports, about 1.1 percent of the population experience schizophrenia, with paranoid schizophrenia being the most common type of this chronic disorder. Paranoid schizophrenia is characterized by the symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, which can be debilitating, making the normal life of a person difficult.
Let’s talk about the factors triggering Paranoid Schizophrenia, its treatment options, and where you can go in Danville, Martinsville, and Richmond, Virginia, for outstanding mental health treatments.
What Causes Schizophrenia?
Although the cause of schizophrenia is still unknown, the following factors have been reported to trigger this condition:
- Genetics – the condition can run in families
- Brain chemistry –subtle differences have been identified in the structure of their brains
- Pregnancy and birth complications – low birth weight and premature labor
- Stressful life events – the death of a loved one, a relationship breakdown, physical, sexual or emotional abuse, or the loss of a job.
- Drug abuse –the use of certain types of drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, LSD, and amphetamines.
The average age of schizophrenia onset is late adolescence to early adulthood, typically between the ages of 18 to 30 and the onset typically occurs earlier in males than in females.
Symptoms of Paranoid Schizophrenia
Symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia can vary from person to person, but the common symptoms include:
- Delusions (beliefs that do not match up with reality)
- Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, feeling or tasting things that are not really there)
- Disorganized speech or thinking
- Inappropriate or nonexistent emotional responses
- Behavior that is not considered appropriate for the situation/environment
- Suspiciousness or a general fear of other peoples’ intentions
- Withdrawing from family or friends
- A significant decline in self-care
Treatment for Paranoid Schizophrenia
Currently, there is no cure for schizophrenia, but there different treatments available to control the symptoms. Treatment options for paranoid schizophrenia depend on the factors, such as the suspected cause of the disorder, the severity of symptoms, and the presence of any other co-existing disorders or conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Medications
Antipsychotic medications are the most common form of treatment for paranoid schizophrenia, which reduce hallucinations and delusions. They work by blocking the effect of dopamine on the brain. Antipsychotics may improve mood and behaviors by reducing anxiety or aggression. Typical antipsychotics (older generation, first-generation psychotics, and atypical antipsychotics (newer generation, second-generation psychotics) are the two primary medications.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a type of counseling that helps people understand and manage their thoughts and feelings. It can also help people to cope with their symptoms better. There are different types of therapy options available, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-focused therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Telepsychiatry Services
Psychiatric services may include onsite and telehealth appointments to promote active and consistent communication between the individual and practicing psychiatrist during treatment.
Support Groups
Social support/psychoeducation groups are available for individuals with schizophrenia and/or their families. These informal groups provide support to the families of people with paranoid schizophrenia.
Paranoid Schizophrenia Treatment near me in Danville, Martinsville, and Richmond, Virginia
If you are concerned about your mental health or a loved one’s, reach out to the experienced and compassionate providers at EPIC Health Partners LLC. We can assess your personal needs and provide you with a treatment plan designed to help you lead a productive and rewarding life.
At EPIC Health Partners, we provide various behavioral and mental health services, both clinic-based and community-based, for adults and children. We also offer an addiction recovery and treatment program and assist individuals in an acute crisis to prevent hospitalization.
To know more about our services, contact us today at (434) 835-4601 or alternatively, you can use our convenient and secure Request an Appointment online form.
