Paranoid schizophrenia is a type of schizophrenia in which the patient has delusions and auditory hallucinations. The Mayo Clinic says paranoid schizophrenia patients have better daily functioning, memory, concentration and emotional responses when compared to other schizophrenia patients; however, the symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia are debilitating for patients and treatment is required. The Merck Manual Online Medical Library says the common approach for paranoid schizophrenia treatment is psychotherapy and medication. The psychotherapy aspect emphasizes coping strategies, adapting and empathy. The psychotherapy options for paranoid schizophrenia include individual psychotherapy and family psychotherapy.
Individual Psychotherapy
The Mayo Clinic says individual psychotherapy can reduce the severity of paranoid schizophrenia symptoms and improve the patient's relationships and communications. Through one-on-one interaction with a therapist, the patient has greater motivation to adhere to his treatment program. The mainstay for individual psychotherapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps the patient in two ways: identifying negative thoughts, and developing healthy coping strategies. Part of the psychotherapy process is to help the patient understand the symptoms of schizophrenia. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help the patient cope with the stigma of paranoid schizophrenia.
Family Psychotherapy
Another psychotherapy option is family psychotherapy, which the Mayo Clinic says helps the family of the patient understand paranoid schizophrenia. Unlike individual psychotherapy, family psychotherapy takes into consideration the family members' reaction to symptoms and helps with their distress. Family psychotherapy can also improve the level of communication between the patient and her family. The therapist also works to help the family recognize possible triggers for symptoms and helps the patient stick to her treatment plan.
Psychotherapy Considerations
Although psychotherapy can be beneficial for paranoid schizophrenia treatment, it may not work for all patients. The Mayo Clinic says patients with severe paranoid schizophrenia may have symptoms that interfere in the communication needed for psychotherapy. Another noted issue is that patients may miss appointments, because the patient thinks he does not need psychotherapy or his thinking process is clouded and he forgets his appointment. Thus, patients who may be prone to missing appointments need support in keeping to their treatment plan.
