Introduction
Paranoid schizophrenia is the most common subtype of schizophrenia. In addition to the classic symptoms, such as ego disorders and thought inspiration, it is characterized by the presence of delusions and/or hallucinations, which can often lead to persecution. Furthermore, the so-called negative symptoms, which occur mainly at the beginning of schizophrenia in the sense of a flattening of emotions or general indifference, are only very little or not at all developed. Like most other forms of schizophrenia, the paranoid subform begins in young adulthood (20-30 years). Since paranoid schizophrenia usually responds well to drug therapy, a good prognosis can generally be assumed.
What are the causes of paranoid schizophrenia?
The exact origin of schizophrenia is not yet fully understood. However, it is already agreed that schizophrenia is a disease with a so-called multifactorial genesis. This means that many different factors must interact to lead to the development of the disease.
These include hereditary factors, but also the patient’s own stress resistance or external influences. The best known explanatory model in this respect is the so-called vulnerability-stress-coping model. This model assumes that an excess of stress, which cannot be reduced by one’s own stress defense mechanisms (coping), can ultimately lead to the development of schizophrenia.
However, triggers such as cannabis use can also lead to the triggering of the disease. The role of the hereditary component remains controversial. Although it is known that children of affected individuals have a significantly increased risk (12%) compared to the general population (0.5-1%), it is not yet clear what genetic changes cause this increased susceptibility.
Is paranoid schizophrenia inheritable?
It is undisputed that genetic factors play a role in the development of schizophrenia. Knowledge of this connection is based on observations that have shown that children of affected individuals have a significantly increased risk of developing schizophrenia themselves during the course of their lives. This risk increases further when both parents are affected.
However, studies with identical twins have shown that the risk of both contracting the disease is only 50%, which suggests that genetic factors may not be the only trigger for schizophrenia. Thus, it is currently believed that certain genetic changes may lead to increased vulnerability (susceptibility) to stress, which would be consistent with the vulnerability-stress-coping model (see above). Would you like to receive more general information on this topic?
