Symptoms Of Paranoia
Psychologists divide psychoses into three main categories. The three main types of psychoses are paranoid schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and delusional (former paranoid) disorder. Treatment aims to improve the individual s ability to cope with their illness and reduce paranoia. While antipsychotic medications are prescribed for most people with a schizoaffective disorder, it is also possible to treat them separately for even stronger results.
The causes of paranoia vary from one individual to another. Everyone has their own unique blend of negative thoughts and images that can trigger an episode. Some of these can be brought on by stressful situations or personal losses. Others are caused by everyday thoughts and concerns that can build up over time without any apparent external cause.
Symptoms can start off in a mild form such as feeling constantly nervous, having tense muscles or a pounding heart. Over time, these symptoms can progress into paranoia or depersonalization. A sufferer will have a sudden fear of being hurt or of seeing things that aren't there. They may also start to have unrealistic beliefs about their environment and others. Many times these symptoms are mistaken for signs of having too much stress in their life, which can eventually lead to depression or anxiety.
If you suspect that you are suffering from paranoia, you should seek help from a psychiatrist or psychologist. However, don't be too quick to self diagnose. Many people experience paranoia as a protective mechanism against "glaring eyes", feelings of being threatened or the threat of harm from others or themselves. If this is the case for you, see your doctor or psychologist as soon as possible to rule out any serious underlying physical causes for your symptoms. Your doctor may ask you to complete a psychological or mental health questionnaire, which will help rule out mental illnesses or substance abuse.
Your doctor will most likely begin you on an anti-anxiety medication like Xanax, which can work for some people with minor symptoms of paranoia. Antipsychotic medications like Serax and Paxil are usually prescribed for more severe cases. The anti-anxiety medications can help you control your thoughts of impending doom or danger while you are awake, but they aren't ideal for dealing with paranoid thoughts while you are sleeping. You may be better off using cognitive behavioral therapy, which has proven successful for many people who have suffered from paranoia. Cognitive behavioral therapy works by challenging your beliefs about the environment and others, exposing you to situations that provoke your worst fears and allowing you to confront those fears head on without the support of the medication.
The downside to psychotherapy is that it can take months or even years to eliminate your paranoia symptoms. Some sufferers do not see significant results, even after months of treatment. You may also develop a dependency on the anti-anxiety medication that you are taking. Psychotherapy requires patience, and you may not be ready to deal with the intense symptoms of paranoia. Some medications used to treat these symptoms are also addictive.
If you feel that you are prone to paranoia, you might want to find out if there are any triggers that make you become obsessed with negative thinking. You may be surprised to learn that many phobias and disorders are related to past negative experiences. If you find yourself being obsessed with a fear, such as a fear of public speaking or being left alone in a room, it could be a symptom of your paranoia. If you find yourself being obsessed with an object, like a toy, it could be a sign of paranoia or a symptom of a disorder like delusional disorder. If you find that you are distrustful of family members or other individuals in your life, that could also be a symptom of paranoia.
If you have developed symptoms of paranoia, you might develop a true case of anxiety disorder. This condition usually takes longer to cure than other mental health issues, and often involves long-term treatment. Psychotherapy is a good option for dealing with paranoia. The cognitive behavioral therapy sessions will teach you how to trust others again and how to avoid harmful acts. Medications can also be used to treat these symptoms of paranoia, but you should take note that the medications used for anxiety conditions are very addictive.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/why-paranoid
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/paranoia
- https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/paranoia/about-paranoia/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/paranoia
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