Paranoia

Paranoia may range from distrust of family and friends to increased cautiousness to delusions. It is a haunting feeling of mistrust and may cause anxiety, depression and other symptoms. Paranoia can affect anyone and is common in veterans and/or military personnel who have experienced traumatic events. It is also prevalent in others who have experienced trauma. 

• Psychotherapy for Paranoia
• Medical Conditions Associated with Paranoia
• DSM Definition of Paranoia Disorders

Psychotherapy for Paranoia

In order to function more fully in daily life living with paranoia, one must develop positive coping skills. Psychotherapy may help lower stress and triggers involved with paranoia. Psychotherapy may also help a client find relaxation skills that work. Learning why paranoia affects a client is imperative to treating it for both the therapist and the client. Developing a trusting client-therapist relationship is also important in psychotherapy.

Medical Conditions Associated with Paranoia

Medical conditions may contribute to or be a result of paranoia. Physical symptoms such as nausea, headaches, increased heart rate, and other physical symptoms may occur and need treatment. Medications may be necessary to get relief from these symptoms.

DSM Definition of Paranoia Disorders

The DSM defines several different disorders that include paranoia:

• Paranoid personality disorder – a psychiatric diagnosis characterized by generalized mistrust of others, long-standing suspiciousness and paranoia.

• Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders – a mental disorder characterized by a disintegrating thinking process and diminishing emotional responsiveness. 

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