Paraphrenia

Paraphrenia is a mental disorder characterized by an organized system of paranoid delusions with or without hallucinations (the positive symptoms of schizophrenia) without deterioration of intellect or personality. This disorder is not recognized in psychiatric manuals such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or the International Classification of Diseases.

History

The term paraphrenia was first used by Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum in 1863. It was then reintroduced by Kurt Schneider in 1950 to denote a group of schizophrenia-like conditions that were characterized by paranoid delusions and hallucinations but without the negative symptoms of schizophrenia such as flattening of affect and loss of volition.

Symptoms

The symptoms of paraphrenia are similar to those of schizophrenia but without the negative symptoms. The most common symptoms include:

• Delusions: These are false beliefs that are not based in reality and that the person holds on to even in the face of contradictory evidence.
• Hallucinations: These are false perceptions that can affect any of the senses, but are most commonly auditory.
• Paranoia: This is an irrational suspicion or mistrust of others.

Diagnosis

Paraphrenia is diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms and history. The diagnosis is made when the patient has paranoid delusions and hallucinations but without the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The Mental Status Examination and Psychiatric History are the primary tools for diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment for paraphrenia is similar to that for schizophrenia. It typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and social support. Antipsychotic medications are often used to control the symptoms of delusions and hallucinations.

See also

• Schizophrenia
• Delusional disorder
• Paranoid personality disorder

References

Paraphrenia Resources
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