What is paranoid schizophrenia? The term “paranoid schizophrenia” is an outdated name for a subtype of schizophrenia. Experts no longer use or recognize this term. Instead, experts recognize schizophrenia as a specific disease, which is part of a spectrum of related conditions that involve psychosis.

Symptoms of Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder Delusions, including hearing voices or believing that you're being watched. Religious delusions, like thinking that a deity is sending you special messages. Problems distinguishing between fantasy and reality, like imagining a special relationship with a celebrity.

Someone experiencing a paranoid delusion may believe they're being harassed or persecuted. They may believe they're being chased, followed, watched, plotted against or poisoned, often by a family member or friend. Some people who experience delusions find different meanings in everyday events or occurrences.

People with psychosis typically experience delusions (false beliefs, for example, that people on television are sending them special messages or that others are trying to hurt them) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others do not, such as hearing voices telling them to do something or criticizing them).