Paranoid schizophrenia is a serious and chronic psychiatric disorder in which patients experience auditory hallucinations (hear voices that others do not) and have delusions of persecution (feelings of being persecuted or plotted against) or of grandeur (such as being famous or even a deity).

Paranoid schizophrenia is the most common type of schizophrenia, a disorder that impairs a person’s ability to distinguish between real and unreal experiences, think logically, have normal emotional responses and behave appropriately in social situations.

People with paranoid schizophrenia may also demonstrate symptoms of other forms of schizophrenia. Other types include:

• Disorganized. Characterized by disorganized behavior and speech.
  
  
• Catatonic. Characterized by abnormal physical movements.
  
  
• Undifferentiated. Patients with schizophrenia that has not been identified as paranoid, disorganized or catatonic.
  
  
• Residual. Patients previously diagnosed with schizophrenia, but who are no longer experiencing positive symptoms, such as catatonic behavior, delusions, hallucinations or disorganized speech or behavior.

Paranoid schizophrenia is often milder than other types of schizophrenia. In addition, the prognosis may be more positive. Many patients with this form of schizophrenia are better able to function in the workplace and live independently.

The onset of paranoid schizophrenia tends to occur later than with other forms, which often first appear in late adolescence or early adulthood. Some studies have shown the average age of onset for paranoid schizophrenia is 35. However, patients often demonstrate signs of the impending disorder at a younger age.