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Takeaway
Paranoid thoughts can be normal from time to time and don’t always signal a mental health condition. However, for some people, paranoid thoughts can lead to significant distress that affects their everyday functioning. If you are experiencing paranoia or anxiety, know that there is help available. With BetterHelp, you can be matched with a licensed therapist with experience helping people manage paranoid thoughts. Take the first step toward freedom from paranoid thoughts and reach out to BetterHelp today.
Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.
Is paranoia the same as anxiety?
Paranoia and anxiety may be similar, but there are differences. Anxiety and anxiety disorders usually occur as a result of everyday concerns, life stressors, and worries about the future. Paranoia, on the other hand, may be a more specific mental health condition and could involve suspicious thoughts directed towards other people.
At what age does paranoia develop?
It depends on the underlying condition that is causing the paranoia. For example, schizophrenia may present with paranoid features in early adulthood while paranoia with dementia affects older adults. Paranoid personality disorder may develop earlier, affecting some people in their late teens.
What does paranoia feel like?
Paranoia may feel similar to mistrust and betrayal. It could cause someone to become overly suspicious of others or agitated.
How do you overcome paranoia in a relationship?
Paranoia can negatively impact a relationship, but there are ways to overcome it. For example, you might consider the source of your paranoia and separate it from your partner. You could also focus on building trust with your partner and communicating openly about the fears you have that involve paranoia.
What is a paranoid thought?
An example of a paranoid thought from the organization Rethink Mental Illness is the suspicion that police or other legal authorities want to harm you. A paranoid thought might be best described as a suspicion that is based on a strong gut feeling rather than evidence or facts. Most everyone experiences paranoid thoughts from time to time, but if persistent paranoia begins to affect your daily life, it could be a sign of a serious mental health condition. A mental health specialist can help determine a diagnosis.
Is paranoia a symptom of an anxiety-related mental health condition?
No. Paranoia and anxiety can mimic one another in some regards, but they are symptoms of different mental health conditions.
What are the signs and symptoms of paranoid personality disorder?
There are many warning signs and symptoms of paranoid personality disorder. Here are some to consider:
Persecutory delusions
Tendency to assign negative meanings to neutral events
Interpersonal sensitivity such as sensitivity to criticism or rejection
Trouble maintaining interpersonal relationships
Reading too much into other people’s remarks
What causes paranoia?
There are many things that can trigger paranoia, and some are more serious than others. Examples may include:
Environmental factors
Genetics
Personality disorders
Delusional disorders
Substance misuse (formerly substance abuse)
Is it paranoia if I think everyone is out to get me?
If you frequently suspect people are out to get you without any actual evidence, then yes, this could be considered paranoia.
What is the best treatment to stop paranoid thoughts?
Managing paranoia may require a combination of techniques, including medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, self-care strategies, and coping skills. In severe cases, you may need to seek medical attention from a healthcare provider for paranoia. According to Mental Health America, the most common approach to manage symptoms of paranoia is a combination of medication and therapy. The National Alliance on Mental Health may also have resources and support groups to facilitate recovery.
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
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