What Is A Paranoia Test? Benefits Of Mental Health Testing

According to the American Psychiatric Association, paranoia is a “pervasive and unwarranted mistrust and suspiciousness of others.” Although it can be painted differently in the media, paranoia is most commonly a symptom of other mental health conditions. It can be present in various mental health conditions, including but not limited to depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.  

If you believe you might be experiencing paranoia due to a mental illness or another cause, it can be valuable to understand how to get screened for this symptom and what it might mean for your treatment options. 

Note that paranoia is not necessarily a sign of a severe mental illness, and it can also be caused by stress, adverse events, substance use, and medical diagnoses. Talk to your primary care physician if you suspect your paranoia is related to a physical event. 

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

What is a paranoia test? 

A paranoia test, also known as a paranoia screening, is a short test designed to verify whether you might be experiencing symptoms caused by paranoia. Paranoia is a common symptom of a few mental health conditions and can also be an indicator to reach out for professional support if it is long-term and persistent. A paranoia screening might ask questions like the following: 

• Are you feeling suspicious of the motivations of others?

• Do you feel fearful of confiding personal details with those you love?

• Do you suspect that your partner is lying to you? 

• Have you felt that strangers were watching you in public? 

• Do you have the urge to monitor the activity of others to ensure they’re not betraying you?

• Do you believe someone else is hacking your devices or trying to communicate with you via electronic signals? 

• Do you feel that others are trying to cause you harm? 

• Is it difficult for you to control your emotions in these moments? 

If you answered “yes” to two or more questions, you might be experiencing paranoia. However, note that taking an unofficial assessment online does not replace the qualified advice of a licensed mental health professional.

Consider printing your results or bringing these questions up at an appointment with your provider to receive further information about what they might mean. An online test is not a substitute for a diagnosis.   

What are the benefits of taking an online test?

For some people, taking an online test can be a starting point for self-reflection. Attending an appointment with a therapist or deciding to get treatment for a symptom you’re unsure about can feel overwhelming initially. For that reason, taking an online test can offer a label to what you might be feeling that you can discuss with a provider when you’re ready. 

In addition, a test may offer validation. Although it isn’t a replacement for an official diagnostic test led by a psychologist or psychiatrist, it may help you feel less alone if you relate to the experiences listed in the questions. When you receive your results, a high score could showcase that what you’re living with isn’t all “in your head.” 

Can you take an official paranoia test?

As paranoia is a symptom and not a mental illness, an official psychological diagnostic test might not test specifically for paranoia. However, it may include questions involving paranoia to understand how your feelings, thoughts, or behaviors contribute to a potential diagnosis. 

According to the American Psychological Association, psychological evaluations are tests that measure and observe a client’s behaviors to arrive at a diagnosis and inform a treatment plan. These tests might involve questionnaires, interviews, cognitive function activities, puzzles, memory checks, surveys, inkblot testing, and a review of medical records. 

If you’re concerned about your paranoia, let your provider know while you’re taking the evaluation. They may be able to structure your test to focus on these symptoms instead of taking a broader approach. 

What symptoms do these tests look for?

Paranoia can involve unique symptoms and sensations that might not be present otherwise. A paranoia screening might look for the following; 

• Taking easy offense to social interactions

• Difficulty coping with criticism 

• Assumptions about the intentions of others

• Suspicion 

• Difficulty confiding in others

• Difficult or tumultuous relationships

• Hostility

• Difficulty relaxing or letting one’s guard down

• Establishing hidden meanings in the actions of others

• Checking up on others or following their movements

• Conspiracy theories

• Delusions 

Note that these symptoms can be present in several mental health conditions. Talk to a mental health professional to understand your specific case. 

How to receive the most benefit from a psychological test

If you are taking a paranoia screening or official psychological assessment, consider the following ways to benefit from your experience. 

Be honest

When you fill out the questionnaire, be as honest as possible. Being suspicious of the test or the person offering it may be a symptom of paranoia. However, for your provider to offer a treatment that supports you, they may require complete honesty. Putting the wrong answers on a test can lead to misdiagnosis or difficulty receiving proper services.

Take the paranoia test with a professional

Even if you’ve opted to take an online or paper “paranoia quiz,” you and your provider may be able to work through these questions together and discuss their significance. Instead of taking the test at home, bring it to a therapy session and go into detail about the circumstances surrounding your answers with your therapist.

If you take a screening in therapy, you may be able to ask questions or clear up doubts. When taking a screening alone, it might be easier to find incorrect statements or quizzes not based on scientific fact. 

Understand the purpose of the test

When taking a paranoia test, remind yourself of the reasons you’re doing so. If you’re worried your paranoia is adversely impacting your relationships, career, or personal life, taking a test can be a positive way to receive support. Even if it feels scary, try to remind yourself that getting through the questions can get you closer to answers. 

There are many treatments available for mental health conditions that can cause paranoia, and even if you do not get diagnosed, talking to a therapist may help you develop strategies to reduce symptom severity. You’re not alone, and a test can get you started on the path of support. 

Counseling options for paranoia

Paranoia can be a lonely experience if you feel paranoid about everyone around you. In these cases, trying a more discreet form of treatment, such as online counseling, might be beneficial. Through a platform like BetterHelp, you can connect with a therapist over the phone, via video chat, or through messaging. You can also use a nickname if you’re uncomfortable showing your real name. 

Studies show that internet-based platforms are effective in treating paranoia. One study looked at paranoia in those living with schizophrenia-related psychosis. The results found that individuals undergoing this treatment could improve their reasoning, reduce racing thoughts, and improve their quality of life. These results were upheld for two years after treatment.