What is a key sign of paranoid schizophrenia?

Believing that one is being persecuted is a key sign of paranoid schizophrenia, which is characterized by the presence of delusions and hallucinations, predominantly of a paranoid nature. Individuals with this disorder often hold false beliefs that they are being targeted, threatened, or conspired against by others. This pervasive sense of persecution can significantly affect their behavior, relationships, and overall functioning, leading to heightened anxiety and mistrust of others.

In contrast, while a marked decrease in speech, difficulty in forming coherent thoughts, and reliving past traumatic experiences may occur in various forms of schizophrenia or other mental health disorders, they are not specific indicators of paranoid schizophrenia. The hallmark of this particular type is its focus on delusions of persecution, which drive the individual's perception of reality and responses to their environment.