Paranoia is the feeling of being threatened or persecuted in the absence of proof showing thats the case.
It is not a standalone diagnosis, but a symptom that warrants evaluation.
People who experience paranoia believe they are being lied to, stolen from, or cheated on without evidence.
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In extreme cases, they may think they are being poisoned or had a tracking equipment implanted.
This article discusses paranoia.
It explains the different types of paranoia, common symptoms, and how paranoia is diagnosed and treated.
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What Is Paranoia?
In people with paranoia, these attributions are influenced by cognitive bias, which is known as attribution bias.
This means they make systematic errors in evaluating reasons for their own and others behaviors.
The following conditions have paranoia as a central aspect of their presentation.
Onset is linked to biological, genetic, and environmental factors, including physical and emotional trauma.
People may experience relatedhallucinationsand even go as far as calling the police for help.
Along with biological and genetic factors, stress can be a trigger.
Hallucinations, delusions, irritability, and trouble concentrating or sleeping are key features of the mental illness.
In earlier versions of the DSM, schizophrenia was divided into subtypes, including paranoid schizophrenia.
The DSM-5 rolled these all under the main diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Other Types of Paranoia
Specific paranoia symptoms can vary based on underlying beliefs.
Scientists have grouped these beliefs into common subtypes or themes.
It is often associated with the effects of substance use and mental disorders.
There can be genetic contributions, particularly when it occurs as part of a mental disorder.
The psychology of surveillance is another risk factor of cultural paranoia.
It refers to the common belief that peoples personal information is being used for malevolent purposes.
Drugs associated with substance-induced paranoia include:
Diagnosis
Paranoia is a symptom and not a stand-alone diagnosis.
Healthcare providers will assess paranoia to find the underlying cause.
This will typically include:
Your healthcare provider may also order tests to rule out other causes of paranoia.
Blood and urine tests will check for an infection or other underlying illness along with a drug screening.
Brain scans, such as CT or MRI, are also sometimes used.
Treatment
Treatment for paranoia will depend on the underlying cause.
Building a trusting relationship with your therapist is an important element of treatment.
This goal is to reduce the impact of irrational, fearful thoughts and improve social skills.
Progress can be slow, but recovery is possible.
People who experience paranoia have intense and persistent feelings of fear, anger, and unfounded betrayal.
Treatment for paranoia depends on the underlying cause.
When related to psychiatric conditions, paranoia is treated with medications and therapy.
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