At least once, you’ve probably heard someone, whether in the media or in person, say that they were paranoid or felt paranoid. The word “paranoia” is sometimes used as a synonym for a general sense of fear, but that is not exactly what paranoia refers to, especially in the context of mental health conditions or disorders. So, what does paranoia mean? What causes paranoia, and how do you address it?
What Does Paranoia Mean?
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Paranoia differs from a general sense of fear or in the sense that feeling fear is actually adaptive and necessary for survival, and often, there is a distinct and reasonable cause. It’s true that we all feel suspicious from time to time, and a level of suspiciousness or wariness is not a bad thing.
The definition of paranoia is “baseless or excessive suspicion of the motives of others.” In other words, paranoia is a sense of mistrust related to a perceived active threat or motive. More specifically, the threat in mind will typically refer to a conspiracy, the sensation that someone is out to get them when it does not make sense for this to be the case, or another similar unrealistic scenario. This is what sets paranoia apart from things like anxiety and phobias.
Paranoia is scary for the person experiencing it because the perceived threat or conspiracy feels real. It’s common for someone experiencing paranoia to experience delusions as well, which can make paranoia more difficult to treat.
Causes Of Paranoia
Paranoia can impact all areas of life. Especially if paranoia is persistent or pervasive with little insight, it can cause distress, impact your ability to function at work, school, or in other obligations, and negatively affect social relationships. Paranoia can range in severity and definition. Here are some potential causes of paranoia:
- Schizophrenia and other related disorders
- Substance use*
- Sleep deprivation
- Other mental health conditions, such as paranoid personality disorder
Like anyone can experience a mental health condition, anyone can face paranoia. The good news is that treatment is available, and when it is addressed, symptoms and distress can improve.
*If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or a substance use disorder, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
Addressing Paranoia
The best way to address paranoia as a symptom depends largely on the cause of the paranoia. For example, disorders such as schizophrenia are often treated with a combination of medication and therapy. The right treatment will differ from person to person, so it’s vital to consult with your doctor or primary care physician before considering any medication options.
Frequently, one of the most challenging parts of addressing paranoia in a clinical setting is building a sense of trust between the client and the medical provider. In disorders like schizophrenia, it’s common for people to experience paranoia and delusions related to the intentions of healthcare professionals. For example, someone experiencing paranoia may have a conspiracy that a healthcare professional is poisoning or tracking them using medication.
Although this is a common challenge among those who face paranoia and other similar symptoms, it is very possible for people with disorders or other concerns that cause paranoia to get the help they need and get to a better place.
If you are experiencing paranoia, delusions, or any other similar symptoms, it’s important to reach out for help right away.
Find A Therapist
Therapy is a safe, confidential space to talk about what’s on your mind. Whether you’re facing stress, symptoms of a mental health condition, difficulty in interpersonal relationships, or something else, a counselor or therapist can help. There are a number of different ways to find a therapist who meets your needs.
You can contact your insurance company to see who they cover, ask your doctor for a referral, search the web, or sign up for a reputable online therapy platform like BetterHelp with licensed providers. Therapy is not a replacement for emergency or crisis care. Regardless of how you find a therapist, you deserve to get the support you need, so don’t hesitate to start the process today.
