Neuropsychological Dimensions of Paranoid Syndromes.

Among 10 patients diagnosed as having paranoid disorders, 8 Ss showed impairment on the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery. Four of these 8 Ss had abnormal computerized tomography scans or regional cerebral blood flow impairments. Their histories and current complaints suggested 2 differing types of presentation that differed primarily in level of premorbid functioning. Two case studies, representing each type and involving a 63-yr-old female and a 31-yr-old male, are discussed. Using A. R. Luria's (1973) theory, the ways in which paranoid disorders may develop from several types of brain injury or dysfunction are discussed. (6 ref)