اختلال پارانویا نوعی بیماری روانی است که موجب سوء ظن نسبت به دیگران می شود. Paranoia is actually derived from the Latin word Paranoia, which means "irrational and skeptical thinking". This state is not only a passing feeling, but in the form of a paranoia disease, it can affect all the person's perceptions of the surrounding environment. The affected person feels insecure in his social relationships and sometimes suffers from "disease of hating everyone"; That is, he thinks that the people around him intend to harm or deceive him. In fact, paranoia disorder is a type of internal mistrust that gradually distances the mind from reality.
What is paranoia disorder?
Paranoia disorder is a mental condition in which a person experiences severe and persistent suspicion of others. These beliefs are often formed without sufficient evidence and are not corrected by logic. Paranoia can deeply affect a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Mistrust is the core of this disorder and severely disrupts social relationships.
Paranoid people interpret the normal behavior of others as threatening. They consider criticism as a personal attack and hardly accept an apology. Paranoia may be mild or very severe. In severe cases, permanent delusions are formed. This disorder can be seen alone or together with other mental disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment play an important role in reducing its damage.
Difference between normal pessimism and paranoia
Pessimism is usually a natural reaction to negative life experiences. In this case, the person still has the ability to review the evidence and change his mind. Pessimism can be temporary and diminish as conditions improve, but in paranoia the suspicion is deep-rooted. A paranoid person has a hard time correcting his point of view, even clear evidence does not change his belief. Normal pessimism does not completely destroy relationships. While paranoia causes isolation and constant conflict. In pessimism, a person is more emotionally flexible, but in paranoia, anger and anxiety are seen.
Symptoms of paranoia and diagnosis
As mentioned, many people may sometimes become paranoid and think that someone is trying to harm them. But this state is more stable and intense in people who struggle with this disorder. Some of the symptoms of paranoia are:
- The feeling of being a victim or being victimized
- Feeling harassed by others
- to be misunderstood
- Being distrustful of others
- Isolation and seclusion
When the person himself or those around him notice the symptoms, he should consult a psychologist or psychiatrist for accurate diagnosis. When a person suffering from paranoid disorder goes to the doctor, the doctor examines his health record and prescribes tests to investigate the disease. Sometimes a person may have other diseases whose symptoms are similar to paranoia. After identifying these cases, the person may be referred to this psychiatrist so that the diagnosis can be made accurately. Psychiatrist can also diagnose this disorder by asking questions and checking the symptoms of the person's answers.
The effect of paranoia on relationships
One of the significant effects of paranoia disorder is damage to personal relationships. Because a person is constantly doubting and analyzing the intentions of others, he interprets even loving behaviors as threatening. As a result, friendship, family and work relationships gradually collapse. In many cases, bystanders mistakenly assume that the patient intends to be disrespectful, while he is engaged in fearful and unrealistic thoughts of his mind. Understanding this issue helps the family and relatives to have a more empathetic approach.
Types of paranoia disorder
Paranoia disease Depending on the intensity, duration and type of thoughts, it can appear in several different forms. In the mild type, a person feels suspicious only in certain situations or when under psychological pressure. He may be more sensitive than usual to the behavior of others, but he still has the ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy. This stage can usually be controlled with counseling and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy.
On the contrary, in the moderate or chronic type, suspicious and delusional thoughts constantly occupy the person's mind. The patient believes that others are talking about him, intending harm or planning against him. At this stage, logical explanations from others are less effective, because the person's mind is involved in misinterpreting everyday signs.
But in severe or true chronic paranoia, the delusional thoughts become so deep and persistent that the person passes almost any reality through the filter of suspicion. He may feel that he is being followed, that he is being spied on or controlled, or that others are trying to eliminate him. In this case, paranoia disorder is usually associated with other psychiatric diseases such as paranoid delusional disorder or paranoid schizophrenia.
Sometimes there is a form of this condition called "Paranoid Personality Disorder" in which constant mistrust and doubt is part of a person's stable personality, not just a passing episode. These people are often cautious, cold and evasive in their relationships and keep an emotional distance from others because they don't feel safe.
Some experts even use the informal term "homophobia" to describe a type of paranoia in which a person gradually withdraws from society and develops a strong desire for isolation. Although this phrase is mostly used in public conversations, it shows how paranoia is and to what extent it can destroy social relationships.
Knowing the level and type of paranoia disorder is very important, because the treatment path and recommended drugs are different for each stage. By carefully assessing the intensity of delusional thoughts, behavioral patterns and the person's response to treatment, the psychiatrist decides whether only counseling is sufficient or whether there is a need for drug treatment as well. Early treatment in mild stages can prevent the spread of the disease to chronic or psychotic types.
Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD)
Paranoid personality disorder or PPD is one of the types of paranoia disorder, which is characterized by persistent mistrust and strong suspicion towards others, and the person interprets the behavior of others as threatening. The person imagines that others intend to deceive or harm, and for this reason, he trusts hard, keeps personal information hidden and distances himself from intimate relationships. Sensitivity to criticism, long grudge and defensive reaction are important symptoms of this disorder and can wear down emotional and work family relationships.
Treatment of paranoia disorder in the form of PPD focuses more on psychotherapy to identify pessimistic thought patterns and strengthen communication skills and anger management. In case of severe anxiety or irritability, medication may also help, but the basis of treatment is to create insight and increase mental flexibility to improve the quality of life.
If you or someone close to you is struggling with the symptoms of paranoia disorder and delusional thoughts or strong suspicions make daily life difficult, Mehrbad Psychiatry and Psychology Clinic is ready to provide specialized services. Our team of psychologists and psychiatrists will help you manage negative thoughts, restore trust in others and return to a normal life by using the latest methods of psychotherapy, expert counseling and, if necessary, drug therapy. To get an appointment and consultation, contact us now and take the first step to control paranoia disease.
Paranoid delusional disorder
Paranoid delusional disorder is one of the types of paranoia disorder in which a person has a fixed and false belief about the threat of betrayal or conspiracy and does not abandon it despite clear evidence. The person may appear to be relatively regular in appearance, but the decisions and reactions are under the influence of delusions, and this issue causes the conflict of successive complaints of disconnection or defensive behaviors. The important difference with schizophrenia is that widespread confusion of speech and behavior is less visible, and the main axis is persistent delusions.
Treatment of paranoia disorder in this form is often a combination of antipsychotic drugs and psychotherapy to reduce the intensity of delusions and allow the person to manage stress and stay on the path to treatment. Family support and avoiding direct discussions to reject delusional beliefs help reduce tension and improve the treatment process.
Paranoia in other mental disorders
Paranoia is not always an independent disorder and sometimes it is seen in other mental disorders and knowing it is necessary for accurate diagnosis. Paranoia in schizophrenia is often part of widespread delusions, and the person feels controlled or persecuted, and this state can be accompanied by hallucinations and isolation. Paranoia in bipolar disorder is more often seen in the mania or severe depression phase and may be associated with the irritability of impulsive decisions or threatening perceptions. Paranoia in severe depression can also be formed with feelings of worthlessness and hard beliefs about judgment or rejection by others and increase psychological pressure.
The treatment of paranoia disorder in these cases is dependent on the treatment of the underlying disorder, and when bipolar schizophrenia or severe depression is controlled, the intensity of suspicion will decrease. Pursuing treatment and choosing the right medication and psychotherapy will help a person get out of the cycle of mistrust and disconnection and improve daily performance.
The difference between natural doubt and paranoia
Many people sometimes feel suspicious and this is a natural reaction of the brain to protect itself. But when doubt and pessimism reaches a stage where it repeats without any logical reason, it is no longer a normal feeling but a sign of paranoia. In paranoia, the person's mind is always on alert and interprets the slightest behavior or words of others as a sign of threat.
Examples of paranoid thoughts
Paranoia may be different in different people, and its severity may be mild or severe depending on the person, but there are common thoughts that may appear in all people with paranoia disorder, which are:
- While walking in the street or alley, a person may think that the person who passes by or is in front of him may steal him, harm him or kill him.
- The affected person thinks that everyone is staring at him and talking about him.
- A paranoid person thinks that others are trying to exclude and eliminate him.
- Wrong interpretation of other people's behavior and jokes
What is the cause of paranoia?
The exact cause of such a disease is not known. But research shows that people with diseases like Parkinson's or schizophrenia and other mental illnesses are prone to paranoia. Also, diseases that may affect the brain of people such as Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, Huntington's disease, brain tumors, etc. can also cause paranoia. Exposure to some poisons and chemicals can also be effective in the occurrence of this disease. Genetic predisposition, being abused in childhood or adulthood, having a family history of mental illnesses, insomnia and sleep disorders, Stress, injury or accident, loss of social status or job and work, loss of loved ones, drug and alcohol use, etc. are also factors involved in paranoia. be.
Paranoia and its relationship with other mental diseases
Paranoia can appear during a period in some mental diseases as symptoms of the disease. These diseases include: bipolar disorder, brain diseases or tumors, epilepsy, delusional disorder (paranoid), dementia, paranoid personality disorder, juvenile insanity, stroke. Below is a review of the relationship between paranoia and some mental illnesses:
Paranoia in bipolar disorder
People with bipolar disorder may have paranoid thoughts at one time. that the so-called paranoia in It is called polar. Of course, this does not mean that all bipolar people will necessarily suffer from paranoia, but the possibility of bipolar people suffering from paranoia is higher.
Paranoia and psychotic disorders
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that occurs with psychotic and insane behaviors. These people exhibit behaviors such as disorganized speech, seeing or hearing unreal things, etc. Paranoia can also occur in these people and is considered as part of the periodic symptoms of this disease.
treatment of paranoia disorder
The treatment of paranoia disorder depends on the severity of the symptoms of the type of disorder and the mental condition of the person, and its main goal is to reduce suspicion, increase the feeling of security and improve social relations. Paranoia can appear as a persistent delusional personality trait or in combination with other disorders, so treatment is not the same for everyone. The first step in treatment is a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist to determine whether the person needs medication or whether psychotherapy alone is sufficient. Starting treatment may be difficult due to a person's lack of trust, but establishing a safe therapeutic relationship will gradually reduce this barrier.
Treatment of paranoia with medicine
Medication is recommended when the symptoms of paranoia are severe or delusional thoughts, high anxiety, insomnia and irritability have disturbed the person's life. In this situation, the psychiatrist prescribes the appropriate drugs after a thorough examination, and the dosage is adjusted based on the individual's condition. Antipsychotic drugs can reduce the severity of suspicions and false beliefs and help a person experience less mental stress. If anxiety or physical tension is high, anti-anxiety drugs are prescribed for a limited period. In case of simultaneous depression, antidepressants can help improve mood and reduce negative thoughts. Regular use of medication and avoiding arbitrary discontinuation play an important role in the success of the treatment.
Psychotherapy for paranoid disorder
Psychotherapy is one of the main methods of treating paranoia and plays an essential role even in severe cases. In counseling sessions, a person learns to identify his own pessimistic thoughts and threatening interpretations and develop a more realistic view instead of reacting quickly. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a person recognize the difference between thought and reality and not accept every negative thought as absolute truth. Teaching the skills of anger control, anxiety management and emotion regulation is an important part of psychotherapy and makes the person's reactions in relationships calmer and more controllable.
Treatment of the psychological roots of paranoia
In many people with paranoia, past bitter experiences such as betrayal, humiliation or childhood insecurity play an important role in the formation of distrust. Deeper therapies such as schema-based therapy explore these roots and help a person recognize old patterns. In this way, one learns to separate the past from the present and not to judge each new relationship based on previous experiences. This type of treatment helps to reduce sensitivity and increase the feeling of security in relationships and makes suspicion less controlling a person's life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paranoid Disorder (FAQ)
Yes, the severity of paranoia symptoms can be reduced with psychotherapy and, if necessary, drug therapy.
Paranoia focuses more on suspicion, but schizophrenia also includes delusions of thought disorder and decreased performance.
Most paranoid people are not dangerous and the risk increases if the severity is high and untreated.
Conclusion
Finally, paranoia disorder is a complex mental condition that can severely affect a person's quality of life. Knowing the meaning of paranoia, recognizing the warning signs and visiting a psychologist or psychiatrist is the first step to control the disease. With a combination of psychotherapy, family support and, if needed, medication, people can learn to manage their delusions and suspicions and rebuild trust in others. Although the roots of paranoia can be in genetics, psychological injuries or biological factors, timely intervention, practical solutions and training in communication skills help to reduce the severity of the disease and return to normal life. Therefore, awareness and timely action is the key to prevent the situation from spreading to the chronic stage or severe type of paranoia.
