Health Topics for Mental and Emotional Health

Department of Psychiatry

Paranoia

Paranoia can be one of the worst feelings in the world. If you have ever felt that people were talking about you in a bad way, or trying to take advantage of you, you know how bad that can feel. Now try to imagine feeling that way all of the time, every day of your life. There are two main types of disorders that involve paranoia. One is paranoid schizophrenia. The other is paranoid personality disorder. Sometimes medical problems and medicines can make people paranoid. Marijuana, cocaine, PCP, and certain prescription medications can do this to some people. If someone is very confused, he or she may get paranoid too.

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which people are no longer dealing with reality. They may hear voices that are not there. They may have strange beliefs about things that are not true. They may hear voices saying bad things about them or the people they care about. The voices may tell them that they are bad or that they are going to hell. The voices may tell them that the people that they love are doing bad things or that they are in trouble. For other schizophrenic people, the voices may tell them that they are special, that they are Jesus or a famous person.

Some people with schizophrenia may be able to work or live alone. Others require more supervision. Medication, therapy, and support are important in helping a person with schizophrenia to remain stable.

Paranoid personality disorder is different. People with this disorder do not hear voices, but will show some of the following signs. They will:

• think that others are trying to cheat, hurt, or fool them
• worry that friends or family are not loyal
• not discuss things for fear they will be used against them
• become easily insulted or be insulting
• hold grudges
• always think that other people are attacking them and
• worry that their significant others are cheating on them

Paranoid personality disorder usually starts in childhood or in the teen years. It appears to be more common in men. This is a difficult problem to live with. Therapy and sometimes medication can help, but people with this disorder usually think that their problem lies with someone else. If you feel paranoid, or are worried about someone else, discuss it with your doctor. For more information call the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill at 800-950-6264.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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