What Can A Paranoia Test Tell Us?

Medically reviewed by Karen Foster, LPC
Updated October 16, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include suicide, substance use, or abuse which could be triggering to the reader.
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Struggling with feelings of paranoia?

If you’ve ever knocked on wood, steered clear of a spooky attic, or worried about a friend talking about you behind your back, you might be familiar with the phrase: 

“You’re just being paranoid.” 

In today’s world, casual conversations about paranoia are relatively common. This makes sense, as paranoia is a universal human experience: most of us have felt distrust or suspiciousness in response to a strange situation or encounter.

While some degree of skepticism is healthy, extreme paranoia may indicate an underlying mental health condition or personality disorder (e.g., paranoid personality disorder).

This article will explore the definitions and causes of paranoia, the usefulness of a paranoia test, and potential treatment options with a mental health professional. 

What is paranoia?

Paranoia is the fear that you’re being threatened in some way, even if you lack evidence to prove the existence of a threat. When people feel paranoid, they typically experience intense feelings and suspicious thoughts, also described as delusions.

Paranoia often involves the belief that others are out to harm or exploit you in some way, either through malicious intent or negligence. The person may also think that other people are talking about them behind their back, or feel as though they’re being watched or followed.

Is there a paranoia test? 

Paranoia, being a symptom rather than a mental illness, is typically not tested for in diagnostic tests. However, your doctor may use diagnostic tests to determine if your paranoid thoughts and feelings meet the criteria for a related mental health condition. Psychological tests may be used to assess the severity of your symptoms and help determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Because paranoia is most commonly associated with schizophrenia, paranoid personality disorder, and delusional disorder, your doctor may assess your symptoms and rule out these conditions first before exploring other causes for your symptoms.

Any diagnostic tests and examinations should be performed by licensed mental health professionals in alignment with the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Symptoms of paranoia

People experiencing paranoia may show some of the following symptoms, ranging from mild to severe: 

  • Intense and irrational mistrust and suspicion 

  • Feelings of fear, anger, and betrayal

  • Hypervigilance (always looking for threats)

  • Defensiveness

  • Fear of being tricked 

  • Difficulty relaxing

  • Argumentativeness

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Causes of paranoia

The causes of paranoia are complicated and vary depending on your mental health and individual history. Some potential contributors to paranoia include:

Mental illness 

Schizophrenia, delusional disorder, and paranoid personality disorder are all characterized by paranoia or delusions, among other symptoms.  Additionally, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder can also cause paranoia. 

Genetics

Paranoia – and the disorders associated with it – may be influenced by genetics. In 2018, researchers targeted a gene location common among people who experienced paranoia. Still, more medically-reviewed research is needed to suggest a clear genetic link to paranoia.   

History of abuse and neglect

Negative early experiences can lead you to believe that the world is unsafe and untrustworthy, prompting feelings of paranoia well into adulthood.

Physical illness

Paranoia is also associated with physical conditions such as strokes, dementia, and hearing loss. 

Substance misuse

Excessive consumption of alcohol and recreational drugs may cause paranoia, particularly in people already prone to paranoia or other mental health concerns.

Poor sleep

Paranoia may also make it difficult to sleep, intensifying the relationship between sleep disturbances and paranoid thoughts.

Treatments for paranoia

With a diagnosis and the support of a professional medical team, you can develop strategies and tools to cope with paranoid thoughts and feelings. 

Depending on your diagnosis and mental health goals, common treatments for paranoia include:

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage your paranoia and any underlying mental health conditions.

Healthy coping strategies

Regardless of how you design your treatment plan, developing self-care strategies that promote your long-term recovery and well-being can be helpful. Your doctor or therapist may offer some of the following tips to help manage your symptoms:

  • Maintain a diary to track patterns in paranoia, record progress, goals, and life events

  • Learning relaxation techniques such as yoga, mindfulness meditation, and deep breathing exercises

  • Relying on your social network, including friends and family, who can hold you accountable for your goals and offer reassurance 

  • Caring for your body and mind with a healthy amount of exercise, sleep, nourishing food, and time spent outdoors

Inpatient programs

In more severe cases of paranoia, a doctor may recommend an inpatient program. If you need more support for yourself or a loved one, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers an online locator of treatment facilities for the onset of serious mental illnesses

Therapy

A therapist can help you identify and understand your paranoid thoughts and feelings. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)  is a type of therapy that can be beneficial in helping you identify and recognize your irrational thoughts, break the cycle of paranoia, and practice adopting new coping strategies.

Research indicates that many forms of online therapy, including online CBT, can be as effective as face-to-face counseling. Notably, a 2021 study of individuals with schizophrenia found that a digital CBT program significantly reduced paranoia symptoms.

Online therapy can remove barriers to treatment for those unable to connect local counseling services in person due to time constraints, finances, or other factors. You can receive treatment from your home, or wherever you have internet connection. BetterHelp is an online platform for connecting with liscensed mental health professionals, including CBT therapists.

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Struggling with feelings of paranoia?

Takeaway

While paranoia is not a diagnosis, it is commonly experienced as a symptom of various mental health disorders. Left untreated, paranoia can significantly impact one's daily life and overall well-being. However, there are effective treatments available to address and manage paranoid thoughts and feelings. These treatments aim to help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their paranoid experiences, develop helpful coping strategies, and ultimately overcome the debilitating effects of paranoia. If you are struggling with feelings of paranoia, online therapy can help. Online CBT programs have been proven to be effective in reducing symptoms of paranoia.

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