How to Test for Paranoia

Paranoid personality disorder, also known as paranoia, is a type of problem where you feel the world and everyone around you is planning something sinister against you. While most people have some paranoid thinking at various times in their lives, such as thinking others are distrustful in specific situations, the term paranoia refers to the problem of constantly thinking that others are planning to harm you and constant distrust. When you are concerned that you or someone you love might have paranoid personality disorder, testing for the problem will ensure you or your loved one will get help.

Instructions

• 1

  Look up the local psychologists or psychiatrists in your area. If you suspect you are paranoid to the point of having true paranoia rather than the occasional paranoid thought, a psychologist or psychiatrist can give you a formal test. Avoid the tests online, which are inaccurate and do not give you full information.

• 2

  Make an appointment to see the psychologist or psychiatrist. Go to the office on the day of the appointment and tell the psychologist or psychiatrist that you suspect you have a paranoia problem.

• 3

  Take the test given by the psychologist or psychiatrist. The tests given by psychologists and psychiatrists will have you answer questions about your typical thought processes and state of mind. Answer all of the questions as honestly as possible.

• 4

  Give the test back and answer any oral questions from the psychiatrist or psychologist. They may want to ask questions such as "have you ever taken drugs and if yes, which drugs" or "do you have multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's Disease?" These questions help determine a potential cause of paranoia as well. Drug use, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson's Disease, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia and several other problems relating to health and wellness can result in paranoid thoughts and help determine an appropriate treatment.

• 5

  Allow the psychologist or psychiatrist to determine the results.