Paranoia is where someone is suspicious without reason or cause. Often sufferers will feel that other people are out to hurt them and will even suspect loved ones of colluding or plotting against them. This can also make it difficult when trying to get help for a loved one who is paranoid as they may not feel you are doing it with the best intentions for them.

 

Sufferers with mild paranoia are often aware that their suspicions are unfounded whilst the more severe sufferer may not be able to distinguish between reality and fantasy resulting in total belief in their unfounded suspicions.

It is often impossible to say why someone may become paranoid but there can be many different influences:

 

Genetics

Many people believe that paranoia can be passed down from generation to generation

 

Social factors

Paranoia is not always inside someone's own mind and can be a response to the surroundings that one grows up in.

 

Childhood factors

There may be a link to a sufferers childhood, if they grow up feeling and believing that the world is an unsafe place then this can contribute to someone becoming interestingly paranoid as they grow up

 

Effects of drugs

The majority of drugs can contribute to someone becoming paranoid as it alters the way the brain works. Cannabis, LSD, ecstasy, cocaine and alcohol can all play a part in paranoia.

 

Treatment for Paranoia

 

The first step to treatment is to have an assessment with a Consultant Psychiatrist to understand the level of paranoia and to look at the reasons behind.The use of medication and talking therapies can be used to help sufferers to regain control of their feelings and thoughts.

If you feel you are suffering from paranoia or would like to know more, please call us to see how we can help.