How to Treat Paranoia

The term "paranoia" refers to a mental state in which a person feels overly suspicious and self-important. Paranoia is a delusion, meaning that a person's beliefs do not match reality; these false beliefs can cause mistrust, rage, preoccupation, anxiety, defensiveness and hostility. Paranoia can stem from a number of possible causes, including mental disorders that range from mild to severe in nature. For instance, simple paranoid ideation may involve some mild to moderate anxiety, as opposed to paranoid schizophrenia, in which a person may completely lose touch with reality.

Instructions

Getting Help

• 1

  Ask a mental health professional, preferably a psychiatrist, to assess you. An assessment will lead to a diagnosis, which will tell you the cause and severity of the paranoia as well as the best method of treatment. Because paranoia has so many possible causes, you need a professional assessment to get the proper help. Psychiatrists can also give prescriptions for anti-anxiety or anti-psychotic medication if necessary.

• 2

  Enroll in an appropriate treatment program or programs. Treatment will depend upon the diagnosis and varies greatly. For instance, if your paranoia stems from schizophrenia, you may need inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. However, if it stems from paranoid personality disorder, you may do well in outpatient psychotherapy treatment, or behaviorally based therapy. Behaviorally based interventions may lower feelings of anxiety, and help you to relax. Psychotherapy may also help you build coping and relationship skills.

• 3

  Follow through with treatment. This may be difficult if you feel paranoid, since you may not easily trust a therapist and the idea of treatment may increase stress. Many people with paranoia find this challenging. However, continuing to attend therapy can also build trust and reduce feelings of suspicion.