Medical dictionary. Paranoia Definition. Paranoia is an unfounded or exaggerated distrust of others, sometimes reaching delusional proportions. Paranoid individuals constantly suspect the motives of those around them, and believe that certain individuals, or people in general, are out to get them. Description. Paranoid perceptions and behavior may appear as features of a number of mental illnesses, including depression and dementia, but are most prominent in three types of psychological disorders paranoid schizophrenia, delusional disorder persecutory type, and paranoid personality disorder PPD. Individuals with paranoid schizophrenia and persecutory delusional disorder experience what is known as persecutory delusions an irrational, yet unshakable, belief that someone is plotting against them. Persecutory delusions in paranoid schizophrenia are bizarre, sometimes grandiose, and often accompanied by auditory hallucinations. Delusions experienced by individuals with delusional disorder are more plausible than those experienced by paranoid schizophrenics not bizarre, though still unjustified. Individuals with delusional disorder may seem offbeat or quirky rather than mentally ill, and, as such, may never seek treatment. Persons with paranoid personality disorder tend to be self centered, self important, defensive, and emotionally distant. Their paranoia manifests itself in constant suspicions rather than full blown delusions. The disorder often impedes social and personal relationships and career advancement. Some individuals with PPD are described as litigious, as they are constantly initiating frivolous law suits. PPD is more common in men than in women, and typically begins in early adulthood. Causes and symptoms. The exact cause of paranoia is unknown. Potential causal factors may be genetics, neurological abnormalities, changes in brain chemistry, and stress. Paranoia is also a possible side effect of drug use and abuse for example, alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, PCP. Acute, or short term, paranoia may occur in some individuals overwhelmed by stress. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition DSM IV, the diagnostic standard for mental health professionals in the United States, lists the following symptoms for paranoid personality disorder suspicious unfounded suspicions believes others are plotting against himherpreoccupied with unsupported doubts about friends or associatesreluctant to confide in others due to a fear that information may be used against himherreads negative meanings into innocuous remarksbears grudgesperceives attacks on hisher reputation that are not clear to others, and is quick to counterattackmaintains unfounded suspicions regarding the fidelity of a spouse or significant other. Diagnosis. Patients with paranoid symptoms should undergo a thorough physical examination and patient history to rule out possible organic causes such as dementia or environmental causes such as extreme stress. If a psychological cause is suspected, a psychologist will conduct an interview with the patient and may administer one of several clinical inventories, or tests, to evaluate mental status. Treatment. Paranoia that is symptomatic of paranoid schizophrenia, delusional disorder, or paranoid personality disorder should be treated by a psychologist andor psychiatrist. Antipsychotic medication such as thioridazine Mellaril, haloperidol Haldol, chlorpromazine Thorazine, clozapine Clozaril, or risperidone Risperdal may be prescribed, and cognitive therapy or psychotherapy may be employed to help the patient cope with their paranoia andor persecutory delusions. Antipsychotic medication, however, is of uncertain benefit to individuals with paranoid personality disorder and may pose long term risks. If an underlying condition, such as depression or drug abuse, is found to be triggering the paranoia, an appropriate course of medication andor psychosocial therapy is employed to treat the primary disorder. Prognosis. Because of the inherent mistrust felt by paranoid individuals, they often must be coerced into entering treatment. As unwilling participants, their recovery may be hampered by efforts to sabotage treatment for example, not taking medication or not being forthcoming with a therapist, a lack of insight into their condition, or the belief that the therapist is plotting against them. Albeit with restricted lifestyles, some patients with PPD or persecutory delusional disorder continue to function in society without treatment. Key terms. Persecutory delusion A fixed, false, and inflexible belief that others are engaging in a plot or plan to harm an individual. Resources. Organizations. American Psychiatric Association. K Street NW, Washington, DC 2. American Psychological Association APA. First St. NE, Washington, DC 2. Showtime Full The Virgin Suicides Online Free on this page. Looking for online definition of paranoia in the Medical Dictionary paranoia explanation free. What is paranoia Meaning of paranoia medical term. What does paranoia. Return of the Living Dead, The Comparison Theatrical Version Workprint Part 1 MovieCensorship. Game of Thrones doesnt just boast televisions best ensemble cast it also has several actors famous for starring in some truly fantastic movies. Directed by D. J. Caruso. With Shia LaBeouf, David Morse, CarrieAnne Moss, Sarah Roemer. A teen living under house arrest becomes convinced his neighbor is a serial. I/51KZ9KPN19L._SY445_.jpg' alt='Paranoia Full Movie Part 1' title='Paranoia Full Movie Part 1' />National Alliance for the Mentally Ill NAMI. Colonial Place Three, 2. Wilson Blvd., Ste. Arlington, VA 2. 22. National Institute of Mental Health. Mental Health Public Inquiries, 5. Watch Don`T Look Now Online Ibtimes. Fishers Lane, Room 1. C 0. 5, Rockville, MD 2. Patient discussion about paranoia. Q. What is paranoiaIs it different from other psychosis disorders A friend of mine was diagnosed with schizophrenia. I read about it on the internet and I am not sure about the idea of paranoia. Is it a kind of psychosis or it a different symptom by its on Can someone give an example of paranoid thinking VS normal thinking A. Methinks all these brain disorders have everything to do with a lack of copper. With all our modern technology and artificial fertilizers and processing of foods, the food has become so depleted of minerals that our bodies and brains have become so depleted that we cannot even function properly. Start taking kelp, calcium magnesium, cod liver oil, flax seed oil, and raw apple cider vinegar. This will bring healing and normal function to the brain and body systems. The emotions will calm down and be more manageable. If you are taking a vitamin with more manganese than copper it will add to the dysfunction. Watch Memoirs Of A Geisha HDQ. Dont waste your money. There you are Some solutions rather than more rhetoric about the problem. Q. Is paranoia a side effect of ADHDMy lovable daughter has ADHD and she is often getting paranoia easily. I have a doubt, is paranoia a side effect of ADHD I am confused. I really need some help. A. Paranoia, excessive anxiety, or chronic worrying is symptomatic for those afflicted with ADHD but the answer is not quite as simple as that. For the most part males afflicted with attention deficit disorder syndrome usually tend to have it accompanied by the restlessness, impatience, associated with ADHD Attention Deficit HYPER Disorder, while for females it is usually manifested by ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder without the H, the hyperactivity it is commonly thought to be. You might want to refer to an ADD symptoms check list in determining whether or not your daughter meets the criteria for those afflicted with ADD. One of the first books on ADDADHD Driven to Distraction by Dr. Hallowell, available in paperback has a questionnaire of fifty questions in helping to determine the severity of ADDADHD in which one is afflicted with. The difficulty in diagnosing ADDADHD symptoms is because of the vast, disparate wide ranging spectrum of symptoms an. More discussions about paranoia.