A condition characterized by the gradual development of an intricate, complex, and elaborate system of thinking based on (and often proceeding logically from) misinterpretation of an actual event; it may meet criteria for a type of delusional disorder. Despite its often chronic course, this condition does not seem to interfere with other aspects of thinking and personality. To be distinguished from schizophrenia, paranoid type.
A psychotic symptom. The paranoid psychotic possesses persistent delusions of persecution or grandeur. A paranoid reaction may take one of two forms: (a) classic or (b) paranoid state.
Mental disorder characterized by delusions of persecution.
A behaviour characterised by mistaken ideas or delusions of persecution or self-importance.
Unusual amount of fear and suspicion.
Rare mental disorder characterized by delusions of persecution, often organized into an elaborate and logical system of thinking and often centered on a specific theme, such as job persecution or a financial matter. Suspiciousness, hostility, and resistance to therapy are often characteristic of the paranoic person.
A symptom of a thought disorder characterized by persistent, fearful ideas about safety | that are not based on reality.
Extreme, pervasive, and unwarranted distrust of other people’s actions and motivations and an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Paranoia occurs in many mental disorders but is rare as an isolated mental disorder. The cause of paranoia is unknown. Treatment is usually behavior therapy to try to reduce the person’s sensitivity to criticism and improve his or her social skills.
A mental disorder characterized by delusions organized into a system, without hallucinations or other marked symptoms of mental illness. It is a rare chronic condition; most people with such delusions will in time develop signs of other mental illness.
A condition whose main characteristic is the delusion that other people are (in an unclear way) connected to the affected individual. A sufferer from paranoia constructs a complex of beliefs based on his or her interpretation of chance remarks or events. Persecution, love, jealousy and self-grandeur are among the emotions evoked. Acute paranoia a history of less than six months may be the result of drastic changes in a person’s environment, such as war, imprisonment, famine or even leaving home for the first time. Chronic paranoia may be caused by brain damage, substance abuse (including alcohol and cannabis), schizophrenia or severe depression. Those affected may become constantly suspicious and angry and tend to live an isolated existence, exhibiting difficult and odd behavior. Often believing themselves to be normal, they do not seek treatment. If treated early with antipsychotic drugs, they often recover; if not, the delusions and accompanying erratic behavior become entrenched.
A condition in which patients show persistent persecutory delusions or delusional jealousy. The disorder must last at least 1 week. It may be accompanied by delusional jealousy or by symptoms of schizophrenia (e.g., bizarre delusions or incoherence). There are no prominent hallucinations; a full depressive or manic syndrome is either absent or brief. The illness is not due to organic disease of the brain.
A state characterized primarily by the mistaken belief that certain individuals or occurrences have a unique connection to oneself. The term “paranoia” can also reference feelings of being targeted or persecuted. Someone who is paranoid develops intricate beliefs derived from random comments or happenings. Common themes include feelings of persecution, envy, love, and grandiosity (a conviction in one’s elevated status and abilities).
Paranoia can manifest in both long-term and short-term forms. Long-term paranoia can result from factors such as brain injuries, excessive alcohol or amphetamine use, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Additionally, an ongoing sense of mistrust towards others is characteristic of paranoid personality disorder, a mental health condition.
Short-term paranoia, which persists for under six months, can arise in individuals undergoing significant life transitions, like refugees. In collective paranoia, one person’s delusion might influence another due to their close bond.
Typically, there aren’t any other signs of mental disorders except for occasional hallucinations. Over time, feelings of anger, mistrust, and social withdrawal might intensify.
When treated promptly with antipsychotic medications, the prognosis for acute illness is favorable. For more chronic cases of paranoia, the delusions tend to be deeply rooted, but antipsychotic medications can help in reducing their severity.
Psychotic mental disorder characterized by delusional beliefs, often involving persecution, and frequently accompanied by auditory hallucinations. For instance, the individual may firmly believe that someone is attempting to poison them or claim to hear the voices of deceased relatives.