This version described five main types of schizophrenia and their symptoms, including: Paranoid schizophrenia is one of several classifications of schizophrenia that were used in a former version of the DSM, the DSM-IV-TR. Though this diagnosis no longer exists in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR), paranoia can still play a central role in many types of schizophrenia. “Paranoid schizophrenia” is an example of a term that was once widely used by professionals but is now considered outdated. Medical classifications of schizophrenia have also changed significantly over the years, which may contribute to this confusion. Many stereotypes about the condition are inaccurate.įor example, a common myth about schizophrenia is that it involves multiple personalities, or that people with schizophrenia are violent and dangerous.
Schizophrenia is one of the most stigmatized and widely misunderstood mental health conditions out there. Certain symptoms can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to function, such as:
People with schizophrenia sometimes experience reality in a distorted way.