Paraphrenia

Paraphrenia is a group of psychotic illnesses distinct from paranoia and from schizophrenia. In patients suffering from this type of psychosis, personality decay is minimal, and emotional rapport is well retained. The onset occurs around age 40.

Furthermore, paraphrenia is characterized by the preoccupation with one or more semisystematized delusions. These delusions are not encapsulated from the rest of the personality as in delusional disorder. The affect is notably well-preserved and appropriate, as is the ability to maintain rapport with others. There is no intellectual deterioration, no flat nor grossly inappropriate affect. Disturbance of behavior is understandable in relation to the content of the delusions. The illness is associated with distress and agitation. Irrational behaviour may appear as delusions become more vivid and judgment lessens. Patients may accuse others of persecution and complain to the authorities.

The predisposing factors in the onset of the disease are associated with severe stressors such as social isolation, migrant status and deafness.

This psychosis is thought to be caused by abnormalities in the tau protein. These abnormalities can occur when the protein becomes hyperphosphorylated. It has not been shown that the phosphoric acid prevalent in sodas can contribute to this.

This was first described by Kraeplin.

See also

Confabulation
Intrusive thoughts
Delusion
Trauma model of mental disorders

External links

[http://www.jbc.org/cgi/content/full/271/46/28741 The Microtubule-associated Protein Tau Is Extensively Modified with O-linked N-acetylglucosamine* ]
[http://ww1.cpa-apc.org:8080/Publications/Archives/CJP/1999/Mar/munro.htm Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, March 1999, Paraphrenia redefined]

Translation of "Paraphrenia"

Bulgarian: Парафрения, Persian: بدروانی, French: Paraphrénie, Italian: Parafrenia, Polish: Parafrenia, Russian: Парафрения.