Paranoid schizophrenia causes and treatment – CBT Kenya

Doctors today say that this is the most common type of mental illness. People with paranoid delusions are unreasonably suspicious of others. This can make it hard for them to hold a job, run errands, have friendships, and even go to the doctor.

People with schizophrenia aren’t usually violent. Sometimes, paranoid delusions can make them feel threatened and angry. If someone is pushed over the edge, their actions usually focus on family members, not the public, and it happens at home.

What causes paranoid schizophrenia?

No one knows exactly what causes paranoia. There are lots of more specific things that may play a role in causing paranoid thoughts. Sometimes this could be because they make you more likely to experience the following risk factors.

• External environment. Paranoid thoughts are more common if you live in a place where you feel isolated from the people around you. Media reports of crime, terrorism and violence may also play a role in triggering paranoid feelings.
• Lack of sleep. Lack of sleep can trigger feelings of insecurity and even unsettling feelings and hallucinations. Fears and worries may develop late at night.
• The effects of drugs and alcohol. Drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, alcohol, ecstasy and other substances can all trigger paranoia. Certain steroids taken by athletes and weightlifters can also lead to symptoms of paranoia.
•  Mental health. If you experience anxiety, depression or low self-esteem, you may be more likely to experience paranoid thoughts. This may be because you worry a lot or more likely to interpret things in a negative way.

Treatment and how to deal with Paranoid schizophrenia

Although there is no known cure for this condition, there are treatment options available that can help you live a full and productive life.

• Deciding to give people the benefit of the doubt means that you engage in an active process. By this, you are trying to figure out ways to understand what it is that other people may be doing or intending to do besides attacking or harassing you.
• Not sweating the small stuff – People with this condition are frequently operating under the assumption that they have to respond to all attacks and slights. This little bit of advice helps you to pick your battles carefully and conserve your fighting energy for only those which are truly intolerable.
• Supporting a loved one – Be supportive but set healthy limits for your loved one and be patient, remembering that the stabilization process often takes time. It’s also helpful for family members to get therapy or join support groups to help work through some of the challenges that may come from supporting a loved one with paranoid schizophrenia.

Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to help patients develop and retain social skills, alleviate co-morbid anxiety and depression symptoms. If you are looking for a therapy session, CBT Kenya is the place to be. We are ready to listen and give professional care to those going through Paranoid schizophrenia. You can also visit our website for more information and other see other services that we offer.