A person who is paranoid has fears, such as being watched, harmed or poisoned. He or she does not trust others and is suspicious that others are “out to get” him or her. These seem very real.
It’s normal to wonder if people are talking about you when you hear them whispering as you walk into a room. These thoughts are usually passed off and not dwelled upon for most people. We give them little credence. Not a problem.
A person who is paranoid, however, does dwells upon suspicious thoughts. He or she goes out of their way to prove their suspicions even though no evidence exists to confirm their thoughts. It’s very hard to reason or speak what is real.
Paranoia is usually found in small degrees in almost every mental illness.
Symptoms
- Use and/or withdrawal of certain drugs, such as marijuana, crack cocaine and angel dust (PCP)
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Deafness or problems with hearing
- Illnesses that affect the central nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, a stroke, a brain tumor
- Mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
- Paranoid personality disorder, (PPD)
How to Recognize Paranoia
A person with paranoia may also:
- Appear cold and aloof
- Be withdrawn and anxious in social situations
- Act stubborn and combative
- Appear “on guard” at all times, out of fear of being controlled or harmed
A paranoid person also:
- Complains about his or her health and often feels vulnerable and inferior to others
- Holds grudges easily
- Displays bitterness and resentment toward others
- May be easily drawn into religious cults or other groups with strict beliefs
- Is quite susceptible to conspiracy theories, religious or political
- Can have delusions of being persecuted
Treatment
Treatment for paranoia depends on its cause. If it is a symptom of another condition, treatment for the condition will often take care of or lessen the paranoia. Paranoid personality disorder is treated with counseling, support therapy and often with medication. Treatment for this disorder is not easy, though, due to the nature of paranoia. Persons who are paranoid often do not trust others including doctors, therapists or family members trying to help them get treatment. It is likely that you will need to intervene, patiently and gently.
Ministering to the paranoid treatment requires a huge commitment. Typically you’ll see lots of anger as they confront others of mistreating them.
What You Can Do for a Friend or Relative
The most important thing you can do is to encourage your friend or relative to get professional help. Be aware that you may need to make the initial appointment with a professional. You may also need to take them to the appointment and stay with them. Be supportive. Paranoia requires patience, understanding, love and encouragement of the person’s loved ones and friends.
Those close relationships are typically what frees a person who struggles.
Be aware of the types of medication your friend or relative takes and when they should take it. You should also alert their physician or psychiatrist to any side effects that you notice when they do or do not take their medication. If I may, I would suggest a movie for you, “A Beautiful Mind.” This may give you a little insight.
Further Resources
Cleveland Clinic PPD Introduction Site http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/personality_disorders/hic_paranoid_personality_disorder.aspx
Suite 101 PPD Site http://personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/paranoid_personality_disorder
Broken Believers 