What Is Paranoia?

Paranoia is a maladaptive way of thinking and relating with the world. Paranoia can be caused by a history of abuse, trauma, mental illness or substance abuse. People with paranoia are often mistrustful, angry and hostile.

Significance

• Recognizing paranoia in an individual helps to know how to relate to the person. People with paranoia lack basic trust in relationships, fear certain individuals or situations, and are preoccupied with ideas that others are out to get them.

Function

• Feeling paranoia may serve a function to preserve and protect self or others. For example, becoming paranoid while alone in a new city at nighttime may increase much needed awareness of the environment and prospective dangers in order to remain safe.

Types

• Experiencing paranoia that interferes with daily functioning is criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis. Chronic and debilitating paranoia is symptomatic of certain psychotic disorders. Paranoia is identified with religious themes or persecutory themes, among others.

Features

• Fearing others, mistrusting society, difficulties leaving the house, visions of being persecuted, extreme defensiveness, rigidity and rage are symptomatic of paranoia. These symptoms interfere with the basic need of feeling safe and gaining comfort from relationships with others.

Prevention/Solution

• Treating paranoia includes engaging in therapy with a professional and/or medications. Paranoia is healed by changing negative and maladaptive thinking, teaching relaxation techniques, and reducing anxiety.