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Paranoia is a mental health symptom causing delusions, intrusive thoughts, and fears not entirely based on reality. People experiencing paranoia may believe others are targeting them, stalking them, or trying to steal from them. In some cases, people with paranoia may have an inflated sense of self. Paranoia can manifest in someone with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, but it’s not limited to these mental illnesses. Some people experience paranoia without a mental illness. Others might experience it after a significant life event, such as the birth of a child.
In this section, you can find articles about paranoia and how it impacts the lives of millions of people worldwide. Knowing the signs of paranoia may help you reach out for support if you live with this symptom.
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Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson, MA, LCSW
Paranoia
Paranoia is a sense or belief that one is being persecuted, followed, targeted, or harassed when they are not. When living with paranoia, you might experience delusions, which are thoughts not based on reality. You might falsely believe someone is out to get you or watching you. These beliefs may lead to you taking distance from these people or fearing them.
Some people report elaborate delusions, such as a fear that people can hear them through the television or computer. Paranoid thoughts can be alarming to the person experiencing them and those around them. They may genuinely believe that somebody is following them or that people are out to get them. When it’s difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is not, various mental health challenges can arise. However, paranoia is treatable and a sign of many treatable mental illnesses. You’re not alone, and support is available to combat this symptom.
What causes paranoia?
Certain mental illneses include paranoia as a potential symptom. Those living with paranoid schizophrenia have signs of paranoia frequently. When you're hallucinating, it can worsen paranoia. However, other mental illnesses can cause this symptom, and paranoia can be caused without any mental illness at all.
Researchers note that symptoms of paranoia happen when a person is easily confused and has experiences they can’t fully articulate or explain to others. Another risk factor for paranoia is substance use. If you take illicit substances, you may experience paranoia. In addition, people who experience sleep deprivation may also experience paranoia.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources.
Genetics and predispositions to paranoia
Paranoid schizophrenia is a hereditary mental illness. Some people may be more predisposed to develop paranoia than others. Having a family member with schizophrenia does not necessarily mean that you’ll also be diagnosed, but it can mean you are more likely to display symptoms of a mental illness. It also increases the likelihood that other family members will have schizophrenia.
People with anxiety or depression experience paranoia more often than those without these conditions, and paranoia is associated with mental health diagnoses. However, experiencing paranoia does not mean that you meet the full criteria for the diagnosis of a mental illness. It is possible to be paranoid due to other determinants, such as the factors listed above. The most common conditions that cause paranoia include schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
What to do if you're experiencing paranoia
It can be challenging to know how to respond to paranoia. You might believe the delusions you’re experiencing, which may make it difficult to tell yourself these thoughts are wrong. If you’re paranoid, it may help you to outline the facts of your current situation and take a break from socialization until the thoughts subside. If you struggle to connect with reality, you can watch an upbeat TV show or movie to distract yourself.
If you have friends you trust with mental health topics, consider telling your friend you’re scared or paranoid and want support. They may be able to reassure you and help you refocus your thoughts.
Paranoia can be a vicious cycle. If your paranoia creeps up often or is due to a mental health diagnosis, it may be beneficial to seek counseling. Counseling can allow you to find support from a compassionate professional who can give personalized advice to your unique circumstances.
Support options
When experiencing paranoia, some people may avoid leaving home or setting appointments with new providers. In these cases, it can be difficult to access therapy. Those with paranoia may benefit from online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, which allow them to sign up from home using a nickname. You can get matched with a therapist specializing in paranoia and receive extra support through weekly messaging outside of sessions.
Studies also back up the effectiveness of online therapy for mental health challenges. One study found that 95% of participants living with bipolar disorder experienced significant symptom reduction and increased quality of life after using an online platform, with results similar to, if not better than, in-person therapy.
Takeaway
Paranoia is a symptom of several mental illnesses and a state of mind that can be challenging to cope with. To learn more about paranoia, consider reading the articles in this section or reaching out to a mental health professional to develop a treatment plan unique to your needs.